Douglas Metz

Douglas Winston Metz, 78, went to his heavenly home on February 19, 2022. Doug was a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Doug was born to parents Evans and Thelma Metz in Iva, SC; his family moved to Hickory in 1952. Doug enjoyed growing up with loving parents and 3 sisters and a brother, Ed, with whom he was very close. Doug attended and graduated from Hickory High School in 1959. Doug received training in criminal justice and policing while serving as a detective with the Hickory Policy Department. He also worked in the insurance industry as an agent with Doug Metz Insurance. Doug loved sports and played on the Brookford Town baseball team. Doug and his stepson Greg Brunt were devoted fans of Lenoir Rhyne and Hickory sports teams. Doug, Greg, and good friend Bob Duckworth enjoyed getting together with their friends to enjoy these sporting events. Doug was involved with Special Olympics as he supported and encouraged stepson Greg in swimming. Greg won over 100 medals in the Special Olympics and was inducted into the Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Doug also enjoyed NASCAR, fishing, and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his wife by his wife Mary Brunt Metz of Hickory, parents Evans and Thelma Metz of Hickory, brother Edward Metz of Hickory, and sister Gloria Metz Hayes of Collettsville. He is survived by his son the Rev. Douglas E. Hefner (wife Michelle) of Asheboro; Step Children: Linda Brunt Deaton of Asheville, Theresa Brunt of Hickory; Donald Brunt, Jr. (wife Mary) of Hickory; Gregory Brunt of the home, Nancy Brunt St John (husband Joel) of Whitset, Clark Brunt of Hickory, Robert Brunt (wife Sherri) of Winder, Georgia, Barbara Brunt Osborne (husband Lee) of Asheville; 15 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren; Sisters Judy Whisnant (husband David) of Conover and Barbara Jean Punch of Conover; 3 nephews and 6 nieces; 15 great nieces and nephews; and 1 great great nieces.

A memorial service to celebrate Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, March 19 at 11am at Zion Lutheran Church, 1911 Zion Church Road, Hickory, NC, with the Rev. Doug Hefner officiating. Memorials may be made to Special Olympics NC, Lenoir Rhyne University, or a charity of your choice.


Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Metz family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.