Dustin Wilkes

Waynesville, Dustin Colie Wilkes, age 26, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016. A native of Haywood County, he was the son of Martin Wilkes and Mary Jane Messer. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Frances Fie; and a cousin, Andrew Milligan. Dustin had a passion and gift for cooking. As a student at Tuscola he began his culinary career at the Swag. Upon graduation, Dustin moved to Washington, D.C. to cook for the Washington Golf and Country Club. After several months in D.C., he came home to attend and graduate from A.B. Tech's Culinary Program. Once graduated, Dustin began his culinary adventure all over the world. He cooked for Maggie Valley, Waynesville and Laurel Ridge Country Club's, he also cooked in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Creede, Colorado at 4UR, Central America and most recently at Waynesville's Bourbon Barrel and Wells Events & Reception Center. Dustin was a man full of energy and life. He lived his life to the fullest, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. Dustin is survived by his parents, Martin Wilkes (Tinesa Parham) of Waynesville; Mary Jane Messer, and her husband, James, of Waynesville; one sister, Khrystyne Wilkes, of Waynesville; one nephew, Dalton Pressley; one niece, Karsyn Messer; two step-brothers, James (Rachel) and Matthew Messer; paternal grandparents, Bascom L. and Judith Wilkes, of Sylva; step-grandparents, James and Kathy Messer, of Waynesville; three aunts, Tammie Phillips, and her husband, Mark, of Waynesville; Victoria Mollo, of South Carolina; Gwendolyn Lance, of Canton; four uncles, Michael Fie, and his wife, Tracy, of Canton; Tony Wilkes, of Waynesville; Benny Wilkes, of Dillsboro; and Eric Wilkes, of Sylva; cousins, Rachel Stoller, Kayla Waters, Jesse Anderson, Abigail Fie, Autumn Milligan and numerous other beloved cousins; and countless friends. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Jerry Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Allison's Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to: Mountain Projects, Share the Warmth, 2251 Old Balsam Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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