William A. Dr. Kessler

Dr. William A. Kessler, 90, of Piney Flats passed away Friday July 3, 2015, in Holston Valley Medical Center from complications of congestive heart failure. Born January 14, 1925 in Cincinnati Ohio, he was the son of Dr. Frank Kessler and Nelle (Neu) Kessler. Dr. Kessler was a veteran of the United States Army, 96th Infantry Division as one of the ?Deadeyes' who served in the land battle to liberate the island of Leyte in the Southern Philippines and the land battle of the island of Okinawa, where he was wounded in battle. He was decorated with two bronze stars and purple hearts, and his division received our nation?s highest award, the Presidential Unit Citation for gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions. Dr. Kessler was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and of University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine and completed residencies in both thoracic and general surgery. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He engaged in private practice in Cincinnati, Ohio before moving to Wise, Virginia in 1967 where his practice served the broader Southwest Virginia area. Following his retirement in 1986, he moved to his home on Boone Lake in Piney Flats, where he enjoyed sailing and boating. He was an expert snow skier who frequented Aspen, and continued skiing in Western North Carolina until well into his 70?s. He was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, and enjoyed singing in the church choir. In addition to his parents, Dr. Kessler is preceded in death by his sister Dr. Margaret F. Kessler. He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Harriet S. Kessler, his daughter Cynthia Kessler and grandson Martin. The family wishes to thank the outstanding physicians and staff of the VA Mountain Home Medical Center for their exceptional and expert care of Dr. Kessler over the past several years, the physicians, nurses and staff of Holston Valley Medical Center for their highly skilled and compassionate care in his final illness, and Wexford House for their attentive care during his brief stay. The family of Dr. Kessler will receive friends at Morris-Baker Funeral Home on Tuesday July 7, 2015, beginning at 5:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM officiated by Pastor Rex Hill and the graveside committal service immediately following at St. Paul?s Methodist Church in Piney Flats.