Verlin Messer

Waynesville, Verlin Messer, Sr., also known by his nickname Harvey, went home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2023, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.  He was born on May 18, 1931, in Hartford, TN.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years Patsy Blakely Messer.  Verlin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Verlin had a remarkable career that spanned from 1953 to 1987. He worked for McLouth Steel Mill which later became J & L Steel in Detroit, Michigan. Verlin's dedication and hard work led him to the position of Plant Supervisor before retiring.

Throughout his life, he loved working in his garden.  He also loved spending time in the mountains, ramp hunting and fishing.

Verlin was also a man of strong faith and lived his life as a devoted Christian who loved the Lord deeply. As a Deacon, he displayed kindness and compassion towards others. Verlin regularly volunteered with Meals on Wheels, extending support to those in need. He was also a member of Johnathan Valley Baptist Church where he and his wife Patsy attended for many years.

Verlin Messer, Sr. leaves behind cherished memories that will forever be treasured by his family and friends. He is survived by his two daughters Deborah "Jeno" Gajich (Lawrence) and Margaret Elizabeth Watson (Christopher), two sons James Burton Messer (Christie) and Verlin Messer Jr. (Kathryn). Verlin is also survived by his two sisters, Hattie "Kitty" Garland (Jim) and Bobbie Parker (Boyd), a special grandchild, Brianna LaShay Messer and 4 more wonderful grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Ray Messer, his father, James Harrison Messer, Sr., his mother Printha Ann Johnson Messer, three sisters Ethel Lillian "Little Woman" Messer, Bonnie "Runt" Woods, and Jane "Janie" Curtis. Additionally, Verlin was preceded in death by his six brothers Earnest "Wax", Oscar "Sody", John "Chuckie", Tom "Homer", David, and James "Bee" Messer Jr.

To honor the life of Verlin Messer, Sr., visitation services will be held on December 23, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Waynesville located at 296 North Main Street in Waynesville, NC. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., also at Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Waynesville. A burial service will take place at Blankenship Cemetery in Bryson City at 2:00 p.m.

Verlin's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His kindness, humility, and unwavering love for his family and community are a testament to the extraordinary life he lived. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The care of Mr. Messer has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.