David Lee Faulk Messick, Sr., 86, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was surrounded by his family. Born on September 27, 1938, he grew up in Poquoson, Virginia. He dearly loved his time in Poquoson, where he excelled in sports and was elected senior class president. He proudly wore a Washington Redskins cap almost every day. He also had a deep appreciation of American history and had an impressive collection of insignia, artifacts, and books. He served as a docent at Mariner’s Museum for many years.
David was called to serve others, often through his church, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Hampton. For decades, he was the financial secretary and was active in the prayer ministry and helping the needy, especially young children. He started a fund to provide milk to those in need in our community that continues today. He was a good friend to all who met or worked with him during his 43 years at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he was a Master Shipbuilder and an Apprentice School instructor.
Most of all, David loved his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife Stephanie Moyer Messick. As she said, “I married my best friend, and we were together for 66 years.” He was a role model father to his children, David Messick, Jr. (Marcy), Lisa Ryan (Richard), and Chris.
He adored his grandchildren, Robbert Messick (Shannon), Tyler Ryan (Jasmine), Emily Dadez (TC), Joshua Messick (Breanne), Colton Messick (Ema), Landon Messick (Hannah), Luke Messick, and Dillon Messick (Felicia). He was also blessed to see his great-grandchildren, Frankie, Jaxon, Ellie, Ayla, Mei, Ainsley, and Rylo.
He is survived by his brother James Messick. He was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Robert and Margaret Messick, his brothers Bobbie and William, and his grandson, Luke.
The family is grateful for the kindness shown by the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living in Hampton and by the staff of Medi Home Health and Hospice.
A visitation will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Hampton at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, with a luncheon following. A private family burial will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul’s Lutheran Memorial Fund, 807 W Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA 23666, to support the HELP Milk Fund, which was founded by and was important to David.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
6 Comments
What a brother-in-law. He loved my sister with the love of Jesus. They were a daily prayer team praying for so many people every day and keeping the record of prayers and thousands of answered prayers. He was a man of integrity and dearly love his whole family of children and grandchildren. David always had a good word for you and sense of humor to go with it. He always accepted Carol and I as true family and a brother and sister. Unfortunately we lived very far away and did not get the time with David we would have loved. But it never separated our love for each other and when we could be together it was like we were best of friends and family. On top of all this, David was a servant to every person he interacted with. Davis would do anything for anyone. He was a true servant which is summed up best by:
Matthew 25:21 (NLTSE)
[21] “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
So we celebrate David’s life as a long life well- lived. He’s now free and in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus. I loved you,David like a brother!
Dale and I are so sorry to hear of David’s passing. We both have fond memories of him. We pray for peace and comfort to Stephanie and the family.
Love Sonja and Dale
So sorry to hear the news of Mr. Messick’s passing. He and Stephanie raised amazing children and David Sr. was devoted to his family, to God and to his church. My prayers are with you all.
Dave Sr was a terrific person. He and Stephanie were some of the first folks I met at St Paul’s 25 years ago. Dave was a stalwart supporter of St Paul’s and was involved in so many activities. He was a friend and a mentor. It was great to share many of those activities with him. Dave Sr loved to tell stories and with every story would come insights, wisdom, history, and occasional good jokes. I’m a better man for knowing him. Our prayers are with the family.
I praise God and thank Him for David and his friendship for many years! He was a man of God who loved his family, his friends and others, a servant leader like Jesus! He helped so many thru the years, we loved him and miss him! You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
My deepest condolences to the Messick family. There are no words except the words God and Heaven. Your beloved is in the best hands now watching over all of you. Ask for him to send you a sign and when you receive it you’ll know he’s still with you. God bless the Messick family and all of your friends.