Henry Joseph Messina Jr.

Henry Joseph Messina Jr. (Dago) passed away at his home on Saturday March 5, 2022.  A memorial service will be held at New Hill Baptist Church at 2pm on Thursday March 10, 2022. Family will receive friends before the service starting at 1pm.

After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corp where he served 4 years. After the service he worked as a truck driver and as a rigger on drilling rigs in the Gulf. He also worked in taking rigs to Egypt. He worked for a company owned by George Bush Sr. and had visited the home of President and Mrs. Bush. He also worked over 17 years with Fuller Daniels building the Nuclear Plant in New Hill, NC. He had a love for fishing and tending his garden (especially his hot peppers).  He loved country music and cherished his friendship with Ernest Tubb and George Jones in their early days. He had a distinct laugh that would make you laugh even if you did not want to and enjoyed telling stories about all his life experiences. Henry had a special love for his many pets.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents Henry Messina Sr. and Marie Stella Elaro Messina; first wife Betty Wood Messina; sisters Pauline Anisman and May Benoit; stepdaughter Debra Ballard McLean; and grandson Stephen Ballard.

Henry is survived by his wife Nancy Taylor Messina; brother Pat Messina (Judy) of Houma, Louisiana; daughters Robin Elliott (Dennis Hunt) of Sanford; Pamela Messina of Willow Springs; step children Darrell Ballard and Donna Ballard; grandchildren Mandy Dalrymple (Chris), Marci Townsend (Ryan) ,Nathan Allen, and Cole Ballard; great grandchildren Lauren Powers, Laine Townsend, Nate Allen, JC Allen and Ben Allen; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.