Deacon R. C. Mercer was born into the loving Mercer family on April 11, 1920, in Americus, Georgia.

During the early years of his life, he received his formal education in the Sumter County School System.   Throughout his school years, he actively participated in various student activities and events.

From a very early age, Deacon Mercer was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support.  As a youth, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and began his steadfast journey with the Lord at Friendship Baptist Church.  He was a powerful man of God who was strong in his faith and an unwavering servant.  You could not know him without being inspired by his unfaltering devotion as a Deacon and his unconditional love for his fellow man.  His encouraging words and the examples that he set throughout his life served as blessings for many people.

He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Clara Mitchell.  Their union endured for 65 years as they honored their vows to love and cherish each.  Deacon Mercer was a loving husband and a dedicated father whose family was the joy of his life.  Over the years, he worked untiringly at Reeves Construction Company to provide for his family and to ensure their well-being.  He was a loyal, dedicated employee who took great pride in his work and a job well done.

Deacon Mercer was a strong but gentle man with a heart of gold and a smile that brought sunshine wherever he trod.  He was a friend you could count on, a great listener and confidant, and was always ready to lend a helping hand.  His friendliness and kindness to all people are lasting tributes to the beauty of his heart and soul.  The strong bonds of friendship that he developed throughout his life will forever be cherished and remembered.  In his leisure, he enjoyed working on cars and he was a "diehard" Atlanta Braves fan.

On Saturday, March 6, 2921, Deacon Mercer's 100-year journey ended and he quietly transitioned to eternal peace and rest.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clara Mitchell Mercer; six children, Walter, Rufus, John, Thomas, Barbara, and Doris; and three great grandchildren.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Clara Mercer, Eddie Mercer, Diana Mercer, Annie Mercer, and Theodore Mercer; nineteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; and a host of other family members, Friendship Baptist Church family, and friends.