Don Shuler

Donal Joseph Shuler, 91, went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Monday, April 24, 2023. Don was born on November 5, 1931, to the late Fred Shuler and Vinnie Hoyle Shuler.

Don was a U.S. Navy veteran and he retired from Dayco Corporation. In later years he worked for Mountain Projects and Bryson Farm Supply. Don enjoyed going out to eat, being outdoors, hunting, and camping. He loved Christmas plays and especially loved his family. Don loved New Hope Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and chairman of the deacons for many years.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Alice Shuler, and two brothers, Thomas and Daniel.

Don is survived by one daughter, Donna Kay Garcia of Sylva; one son, Donal “Jody” Shuler, Jr. (Tammy) of Sylva. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Brandon Wilson, Jason Smith, Araceli Garcia, Cassie Shuler (Clay Saunders), Carrie Shuler and Carson Shuler (Kimberly); six great-grandchildren, Zeke Smith, Zoey Smith, Ace Smith, Adeline Shuler, Branson Shuler, and Emory Saunders; sisters, Alean Cloer, Patsy Baker, and Martha Jean Ensley (Ed). Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held at New Hope Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ernie Jamison, Rev. Mike Moore and Rev. Earl Holden officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Carson Shuler, Jason Smith, Bengie Dillard, Clayton Dillard, Shane Melton, and Dustin Melton. The deacons will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 245, Sylva, NC 28779

The family would like to give special thanks to each and every person at Skyland Care Center.