Pern Messer

Canton – Julius William Marion “Pern” Messer, 91, passed away on December 12, 2018 at his residence.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Raymond and Mary Dotson Messer.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, Forrest Messer.

He retired from Champion International with over 40 years of service and was co-owner of Midway Used Cars in Clyde.  Pern had been a member of the Canton Kiwanis Club and was selected as the clubs “Man of the Year”.  Pern loved all kinds of music as well as antique cars.  Some of his favorite activities following his retirement were feeding the wild animals of his community and socializing with his friends at Midway Tire.  He was a US Navy veteran serving in Korea.

He is survived by his wife of  66 years, Dale Medford Messer; a son, Bradford Messer of Canton; a sister, Louise Cooper of Canton; two grandchildren, Jeremy Messer and Jennifer Anagnostu; three great-grandchildren, Conner Anagnostu, Maddie Waldroup and Jayden Messer; a nephew, William Messer; a niece, Maria Cook; and two favorite cats, Bonnie and Clyde.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Tracy Smith officiating.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. prior to the service at Wells Funeral Home of Canton.

A special thank you to Kim and the entire staff of Four Seasons Hospice.  Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC   28731.

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