It’s a humid day on Ogden Avenue in Ellet as Raymond Messenger relaxes in his rocking chair, sipping a can of Coca-Cola. He’s wearing khaki shorts, a green T-shirt with a lion printed on the front, and a camo baseball cap.
Messenger displays a friendly temperament, along with a slightly shaky but firm handshake. He’s got a short, full head of hair with gray, bushy eyebrows and stubble on his face.
His wood porch is elevated from the sidewalk, giving him a clear view of the neighborhood. A small metal sign on a support column spells “Messenger.”
Nearby, Charlie, a mini-sized service dog, barks at neighbors and a passing mail carrier. After a few minutes, and certainly up close, the Shih Tzu warms up to an unexpected guest.
It takes time to converse with Messenger, 72. Hearing loss in both ears forced him to learn to read lips. But show patience, and lean in closer, and Messenger is happy to tell his story with a warm smile and light laugh.
When Messenger was in kindergarten, he experienced nerve deafness as a side effect of being administered medication for bacterial infections.
Messenger’s impairment did not alter his spirit, hospitality and work ethic.
In the years that followed, he built underwater mines and Tomahawk cruise missiles at Goodyear Aircraft.
He guided children across the street as a crossing guard for Akron Public Schools.
He handled equipment for Akron’s Cadet-Ettes Baton and Drum Corps.
He changed the lightbulbs in the Akron Civic Theatre that illuminate the night sky ceiling.
He worked 26 years as a slitting machine operator at the former Bemis printing plant.
Five years into retirement, Messenger enjoys his golden years from the porch, which he upgraded a few years ago with a retaining wall he built. He also cares for neighbors — some ailing — fixing lawn mowers and plowing snow off sidewalks with a four-wheeler.
“I love my life,” Messenger said from his porch, reflecting on the past. “I can’t complain.”
The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.
