James Deaver

Canton – James Dowell “J. D.” Deaver, 93, of the Cruso Community passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Charlie and Lola Singleton.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Louise Reece Deaver, who died in 2016; two sisters and three brothers; and a grandson, Kelley Deaver.  He retired from Champion International with 33 years of service and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  J. D. was a World War II United States Navy veteran and a member of the US Navy “Seabees”.  J. D. was an avid NASCAR, Atlanta Braves, North Carolina and Duke basketball and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

He is survived by a daughter, Rita Shuler of Lakeside, Texas; a son, Randy Deaver and wife, Antoinette “Annie” of Interlachen, Florida; three sisters, Janet Frady of Waynesville, Norma Caudle of Waynesville, and Pat Chambers of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Matthew Deaver, Danyelle Deaver, Keri Pribble (John), Brady Shuler, Micah Shuler (Kristen); six great-granddaughters; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the Reverend Eddie Deitz and Reverend Dr. Jack Holland officiating.  Burial will follow at Bethel Community Cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by the United States Navy.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Mission Fund, 261 Dix Creek Road, Canton, NC 28716 or Operation Christmas Child, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

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