Donald "Donnie" Gray Messick

Messick

Pfafftown-  Donnie was born in Davie County to the late Glenn and Willie Mae Messick.  At a young age Donnie was working on a dairy farm, priming tobacco, and picking cotton.  While he attended school, he played basketball and baseball.  He graduated from Davie County High School.  Donnie was a veteran of the US Army where he served during the Vietnam War and spent 11 months and 27 days active duty in Vietnam.  He completed 2 years and earned the rank of Sergeant when he was discharged.  Donnie was employed at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and worked as a Labor Grade 10 Supervisor traveling to many places over the world until his retirement with 33.5 years of service.  He was also owner and manager of Dragon Sports Bar during part of that time.  Donnie was talented in many areas, studying Hotel Management and flying aircraft at Forsyth Technical School.  He loved the outdoors, enjoyed boating, 4-wheeler racing, and gardening.  Donnie’s other enjoyment was his family.  He had two daughters, Jackie Hepler (Ray); Tonya Perry; one grandson, Ryan Hepler; 3 step-grandsons, Jason Hepler, Michael Hepler and fiance' Tanya, Darren Hepler; 2 step-great-grandchildren, Lukas and Mason; four sisters, Jean Marler, JoAnn Day, Phoebe Smith, Patsy Phillips (deceased); 2 brothers, Dickie Messick (Fran) and Gerald “Bo” Messick (Debbie).  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, February 12, 2021 in the Chapel of Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend, NC.  The family requests casual dress for those in attendance of the service.   Memorials may be made to Trellis (formerly Hospice) of Winston-Salem, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC  27103.  The family would like to express their gratitude to the very special friends and caregivers for their love and support during this difficult time. “Go Rest High on that Mountain” Brother.  Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.  Gentry Family Funeral Service of East Bend is serving the Messick Family.