Kevin Metzer, 19, of Roswell, died December24, 2009. Kevin had been winning his battle with Leukemia for the past 16 months. Kevin is survived by parents, Rodney and Kathy Metzer of Roswell; brother and sister-in-law, Rod and Morgan Metzer of Roswell; sister Monica Todd, TX. Grandmothers, Janie Metzer of Bryan/College Station, TX and Frances Perkins of Marietta; Aunts and Uncles: Sharon and John Bowling, TX; Cathy Butler, TX; Russell and Helen Metzer, TX; Tim and Kathy Metzer, NC; Linda Perkins, Marietta . He had many loving cousins: Susan and Craig; Steven and Shannon; Christopher and Christy; Andrea; Brent; Cindy and Zane; Michael and Laurie; Timmy; Courtney and many 2nd cousins. His hand-picked family: Patrick Ellrich, Robbie Plett, Kathy, Brenden, Gavin, Erin, Meghan and Maddy Mikulak. Kevin was preceeded in death by his grandfathers: Ernest Metzer, TX; Charles Perkins, Marietta. His great aunt and uncle, Howard B and Thelma (Aunt Mama) Wilson, Marieta, and loving friend, Gregg Mikulak.Kevin was born at Northside Hospital. He attended Garrison Mill Elementary, Mabry Middle and Lassiter High Schools, where he graduated in 2008. He was a member of the Varsity Football program where he wore number 79 on the offensive line. He gained recognition for his weightlifting, garnishing the Iron Man award his senior year. He was honored with the Cobb County Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the week for Lassiter High School his senior year. He also wrestled at Lassiter as their heavyweight, winning 2 regional tournaments and finishing twice in the top six in the county wide tournaments. He was named team captain. He received leadership awards in both sports as well as other honors. He loved all Trojans, his teammates, his coaches and his teachers. He moved to Athens in August 2008 where he would attend Athens Technical College. Several days after moving to Athens he was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He was never able to return to school. He underwent brain and spinal radiation and was in his 16th month of chemotherapy. He had another 9 months of chemotherapy ahead of him. He battled the disease with courage and dignity. He NEVER complained. He was planning on returning to school in the spring 2010.Kevin will be remembered for his big smile and his ability to never meet a stranger. He was loved by adults as well as his peers. He loved running into parents in gas stations, malls and parking lots to "catch up". Friends will be welcomed on Wednesday December 30, 2009 from 4 to 8 pm at H.M. Patterson's & Sons Funeral Home, Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Road, Marietta, GA. Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday December 31, 2009 at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. Burial will be immediately following at Arlington Cemetary in Sandy Springs. Friends can gather once again to celebrate his life after the burial at North Hampton Clubhouse, Marietta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Kevin to the Lassiter Wrestling Booster Club, c/o Lassiter High School, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066. Arrangements by H.M. Patter & Son's, Canton Hill Chapel, 770-977-9485
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It doesn't seem so long ago that little Kevin was running aroung SCRA watching big brother play.
I can not imagine the loss or the words to say to you for comfort. We don't know what God's plan is. You will see him again and he will be waiting with open arms and that smile.
(Perkins)