James Messer

Waynesville, James Donald "Don" Messer, 74, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in Tignall, Georgia. A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Roscoe and C.T. Rathbone Messer and was also preceded in death by a sister, Pearlene Brown and Hyatt Messer. Donald worked in the paving industry for 40 years and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching NASCAR racing. Donald is survived by his wife of 33 years, Gwen Messer; a daughter, Kristie Keener (Michael Payne) of Clyde; two sisters, Patty Darlene Davidson (Harold) of Asheville and Sue Inman (Lewis) of Waynesville; three brothers, Wilford Messer (Norma), Jeff Messer and Danny "Mutt" Messer (Belinda) of Clyde; a brother-in-law, Neil Brown, of Clyde; two grandchildren, Max and Callie Keener; several nieces and nephews; and a special caregiver, brother-in-law Steve Messer. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Billy Ferguson and Reverend Jerry Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Panther Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home and at other times, the family will be at his daughter's home at 224 Mulberry Street in Clyde. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building One, Asheville, NC 28801.

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