William Mercer
April 8, 1918 - December 21, 2020
It was Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:15 p.m., such a beautiful day, when Daddy slipped quietly away.
On April 8, 1918, William Arthur Mercer was born to the late Charlie and Eliza Fisher Mercer of Caroline County, Virginia. At an early age he accepted Christ and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Supply, Virginia.
On February 8, 1937, he was joined in holy matrimony to Margaret Dorothy Childs and they relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia. There, the two became members of Shiloh Baptist Church New Site where he attended faithfully until his health began to decline. To this union five children were born. William Mercer, Jr. their first born, died in infancy.
William attended school in Caroline County and even though he only completed the sixth grade, he was one of the wisest men ever! He joined the United States Army and was active in World War II. He was one of the first African Americans to serve as a Military Policeman (MP). He retired from Sylvania Plant (FMC) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Again, he became employed and retired from Fruit Growers Corporation in Alexandria, Virginia as a forklift operator. He enjoyed yard work. William was employed as a landscaper for many of the homes on upper Caroline Street. He took great pride in his yard and received multiple compliments on its appearance and its beautiful flowers, especially his Dahlias.
He worked hard to instill a sense of right and wrong in his children. William was very proud that they followed his path of hard work and accomplishment. He also enjoyed cooking and was known for his homemade biscuits. His favorite season was summer because he loved the sunshine, high temperatures, longer daylight and sitting on his porch watching his television. Never an athlete, he couldn’t understand football or basketball however, he loved and understood the game of baseball. The New York Yankees was his team. He was not only granddaddy to his grandchildren but was “granddaddy” to all their friends and the children in his neighborhood. He loved Mayfield and did so much for those living there. He cut grass for his neighbors, transported his neighbors to the voting polls, grocery store and church. He never expected or accepted anything in return.
William was a member of the Mayfield Civic Association since its inception and attended the monthly meetings until he could no longer attend. However, he would wait patiently on the porch for his cousin, Sonny Holmes, to come over and relay all that had taken place within the monthly Mayfield Civic Association meetings. He enjoyed sitting on the porch in his favorite chair and having conversations with those who would come to visit. He loved making videos for Facebook and hearing the many comments from his “fans.”
He was a very proud member of the Prince Hall Masons Lodge #61 since April 10, 1953. William loved his Masonic brothers. He also loved politics and kept up with what was going on in the world with his sixth grade education declaring he was a self-taught man. He was also very stylish. He received and accepted compliments on his wardrobe all the time! His favorite hymns were “Peace in the Valley” and “Ain’t No Rock;” his favorite R& B song was Jaime Foxx’s, “I Don’t Need It” and his family got so much pleasure from seeing his reaction when that song was played.
William was known as “Dick,” “Dickie,” “Daddy,” ” Granddaddy,” “Mr. Mercer,” “Uncle Dick,” “Wilmaffa (William Arthur),” and the infamous, “Coffee.” He was known to give each grandchild a nickname as you will see as you continue to read.
His family was dedicated to his care until the very end. Bobby, Jerine and his “baby daughter” Beverly stood by his side carrying out his every wish. Daddy will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
William was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Mrs. Margaret Mercer; his son, O’Neal Mercer; his grandson, O’Neal Mercer, Jr.; his siblings, Herbert Mercer and Kate B. Gray; his daughter-in-law, Edmonia Mercer.
He leaves to cherish his memory and exceptional life one son, Robert “Bobby” Mercer, two daughters, Jerine McConnell, and Beverly Lawson; eight grandchildren, Leslie "Fred," Celestine "Legs," Traci "Lil Rat," Angela "Big Red," Joseph "Gate Mouth," Sekou "Kou," Yolanda "Snake Eye," and Kamilah "Flim Flam"; eleven great-grandchildren, Diaunte, Bernard, Briana, Danyail, Dejaun, Nicodemus, Ny’kelle, Jahla, Lamar, Salana, and T’Yanna; ten great-great grandchildren; a loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Mary "Big Eye,"; two nieces, Sheila Gray Paige and Brenda Bernetta Robinson; four nephews, Winston Gray, John Foster, Sherman Paige, and Taft Coghill Sr.; a special friend, Diane Washington; loving in-law, Cordelia Price; dedicated friends, Lindburgh Bundy, Emmaline Gray and Joseph Marshall; a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, BJ Shanks, R.N. and Delisa Showers, N.P. of the Veterans Administration, Mary Washington Hospice, Joyce, Chrystal, Roseanna, Robin, and Pierre of Home Instead Nursing Agency. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to the entire Shiloh Baptist Church New Site church family and the community for all acts of kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s honor to the Mayfield Civic Association, 415 Tyler Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Monday, December 28, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM. A live streaming of the funeral service is available via the link https://youtu.be/ZxXsQATOrjM. Click here to view the funeral service program. Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
April 8, 1918 - December 21, 2020
It was Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:15 p.m., such a beautiful day, when Daddy slipped quietly away.
On April 8, 1918, William Arthur Mercer was born to the late Charlie and Eliza Fisher Mercer of Caroline County, Virginia. At an early age he accepted Christ and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Supply, Virginia.
On February 8, 1937, he was joined in holy matrimony to Margaret Dorothy Childs and they relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia. There, the two became members of Shiloh Baptist Church New Site where he attended faithfully until his health began to decline. To this union five children were born. William Mercer, Jr. their first born, died in infancy.
William attended school in Caroline County and even though he only completed the sixth grade, he was one of the wisest men ever! He joined the United States Army and was active in World War II. He was one of the first African Americans to serve as a Military Policeman (MP). He retired from Sylvania Plant (FMC) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Again, he became employed and retired from Fruit Growers Corporation in Alexandria, Virginia as a forklift operator. He enjoyed yard work. William was employed as a landscaper for many of the homes on upper Caroline Street. He took great pride in his yard and received multiple compliments on its appearance and its beautiful flowers, especially his Dahlias.
He worked hard to instill a sense of right and wrong in his children. William was very proud that they followed his path of hard work and accomplishment. He also enjoyed cooking and was known for his homemade biscuits. His favorite season was summer because he loved the sunshine, high temperatures, longer daylight and sitting on his porch watching his television. Never an athlete, he couldn’t understand football or basketball however, he loved and understood the game of baseball. The New York Yankees was his team. He was not only granddaddy to his grandchildren but was “granddaddy” to all their friends and the children in his neighborhood. He loved Mayfield and did so much for those living there. He cut grass for his neighbors, transported his neighbors to the voting polls, grocery store and church. He never expected or accepted anything in return.
William was a member of the Mayfield Civic Association since its inception and attended the monthly meetings until he could no longer attend. However, he would wait patiently on the porch for his cousin, Sonny Holmes, to come over and relay all that had taken place within the monthly Mayfield Civic Association meetings. He enjoyed sitting on the porch in his favorite chair and having conversations with those who would come to visit. He loved making videos for Facebook and hearing the many comments from his “fans.”
He was a very proud member of the Prince Hall Masons Lodge #61 since April 10, 1953. William loved his Masonic brothers. He also loved politics and kept up with what was going on in the world with his sixth grade education declaring he was a self-taught man. He was also very stylish. He received and accepted compliments on his wardrobe all the time! His favorite hymns were “Peace in the Valley” and “Ain’t No Rock;” his favorite R& B song was Jaime Foxx’s, “I Don’t Need It” and his family got so much pleasure from seeing his reaction when that song was played.
William was known as “Dick,” “Dickie,” “Daddy,” ” Granddaddy,” “Mr. Mercer,” “Uncle Dick,” “Wilmaffa (William Arthur),” and the infamous, “Coffee.” He was known to give each grandchild a nickname as you will see as you continue to read.
His family was dedicated to his care until the very end. Bobby, Jerine and his “baby daughter” Beverly stood by his side carrying out his every wish. Daddy will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
William was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Mrs. Margaret Mercer; his son, O’Neal Mercer; his grandson, O’Neal Mercer, Jr.; his siblings, Herbert Mercer and Kate B. Gray; his daughter-in-law, Edmonia Mercer.
He leaves to cherish his memory and exceptional life one son, Robert “Bobby” Mercer, two daughters, Jerine McConnell, and Beverly Lawson; eight grandchildren, Leslie "Fred," Celestine "Legs," Traci "Lil Rat," Angela "Big Red," Joseph "Gate Mouth," Sekou "Kou," Yolanda "Snake Eye," and Kamilah "Flim Flam"; eleven great-grandchildren, Diaunte, Bernard, Briana, Danyail, Dejaun, Nicodemus, Ny’kelle, Jahla, Lamar, Salana, and T’Yanna; ten great-great grandchildren; a loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Mary "Big Eye,"; two nieces, Sheila Gray Paige and Brenda Bernetta Robinson; four nephews, Winston Gray, John Foster, Sherman Paige, and Taft Coghill Sr.; a special friend, Diane Washington; loving in-law, Cordelia Price; dedicated friends, Lindburgh Bundy, Emmaline Gray and Joseph Marshall; a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, BJ Shanks, R.N. and Delisa Showers, N.P. of the Veterans Administration, Mary Washington Hospice, Joyce, Chrystal, Roseanna, Robin, and Pierre of Home Instead Nursing Agency. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to the entire Shiloh Baptist Church New Site church family and the community for all acts of kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s honor to the Mayfield Civic Association, 415 Tyler Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Monday, December 28, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM. A live streaming of the funeral service is available via the link https://youtu.be/ZxXsQATOrjM. Click here to view the funeral service program. Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
William Mercer
April 8, 1918 - December 21, 2020
It was Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:15 p.m., such a beautiful day, when Daddy slipped quietly away.
On April 8, 1918, William Arthur Mercer was born to the late Charlie and Eliza Fisher Mercer of Caroline County, Virginia. At an early age he accepted Christ and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Supply, Virginia.
On February 8, 1937, he was joined in holy matrimony to Margaret Dorothy Childs and they relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia. There, the two became members of Shiloh Baptist Church New Site where he attended faithfully until his health began to decline. To this union five children were born. William Mercer, Jr. their first born, died in infancy.
William attended school in Caroline County and even though he only completed the sixth grade, he was one of the wisest men ever! He joined the United States Army and was active in World War II. He was one of the first African Americans to serve as a Military Policeman (MP). He retired from Sylvania Plant (FMC) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Again, he became employed and retired from Fruit Growers Corporation in Alexandria, Virginia as a forklift operator. He enjoyed yard work. William was employed as a landscaper for many of the homes on upper Caroline Street. He took great pride in his yard and received multiple compliments on its appearance and its beautiful flowers, especially his Dahlias.
He worked hard to instill a sense of right and wrong in his children. William was very proud that they followed his path of hard work and accomplishment. He also enjoyed cooking and was known for his homemade biscuits. His favorite season was summer because he loved the sunshine, high temperatures, longer daylight and sitting on his porch watching his television. Never an athlete, he couldn’t understand football or basketball however, he loved and understood the game of baseball. The New York Yankees was his team. He was not only granddaddy to his grandchildren but was “granddaddy” to all their friends and the children in his neighborhood. He loved Mayfield and did so much for those living there. He cut grass for his neighbors, transported his neighbors to the voting polls, grocery store and church. He never expected or accepted anything in return.
William was a member of the Mayfield Civic Association since its inception and attended the monthly meetings until he could no longer attend. However, he would wait patiently on the porch for his cousin, Sonny Holmes, to come over and relay all that had taken place within the monthly Mayfield Civic Association meetings. He enjoyed sitting on the porch in his favorite chair and having conversations with those who would come to visit. He loved making videos for Facebook and hearing the many comments from his “fans.”
He was a very proud member of the Prince Hall Masons Lodge #61 since April 10, 1953. William loved his Masonic brothers. He also loved politics and kept up with what was going on in the world with his sixth grade education declaring he was a self-taught man. He was also very stylish. He received and accepted compliments on his wardrobe all the time! His favorite hymns were “Peace in the Valley” and “Ain’t No Rock;” his favorite R& B song was Jaime Foxx’s, “I Don’t Need It” and his family got so much pleasure from seeing his reaction when that song was played.
William was known as “Dick,” “Dickie,” “Daddy,” ” Granddaddy,” “Mr. Mercer,” “Uncle Dick,” “Wilmaffa (William Arthur),” and the infamous, “Coffee.” He was known to give each grandchild a nickname as you will see as you continue to read.
His family was dedicated to his care until the very end. Bobby, Jerine and his “baby daughter” Beverly stood by his side carrying out his every wish. Daddy will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
William was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Mrs. Margaret Mercer; his son, O’Neal Mercer; his grandson, O’Neal Mercer, Jr.; his siblings, Herbert Mercer and Kate B. Gray; his daughter-in-law, Edmonia Mercer.
He leaves to cherish his memory and exceptional life one son, Robert “Bobby” Mercer, two daughters, Jerine McConnell, and Beverly Lawson; eight grandchildren, Leslie "Fred," Celestine "Legs," Traci "Lil Rat," Angela "Big Red," Joseph "Gate Mouth," Sekou "Kou," Yolanda "Snake Eye," and Kamilah "Flim Flam"; eleven great-grandchildren, Diaunte, Bernard, Briana, Danyail, Dejaun, Nicodemus, Ny’kelle, Jahla, Lamar, Salana, and T’Yanna; ten great-great grandchildren; a loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Mary "Big Eye,"; two nieces, Sheila Gray Paige and Brenda Bernetta Robinson; four nephews, Winston Gray, John Foster, Sherman Paige, and Taft Coghill Sr.; a special friend, Diane Washington; loving in-law, Cordelia Price; dedicated friends, Lindburgh Bundy, Emmaline Gray and Joseph Marshall; a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, BJ Shanks, R.N. and Delisa Showers, N.P. of the Veterans Administration, Mary Washington Hospice, Joyce, Chrystal, Roseanna, Robin, and Pierre of Home Instead Nursing Agency. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to the entire Shiloh Baptist Church New Site church family and the community for all acts of kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s honor to the Mayfield Civic Association, 415 Tyler Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Monday, December 28, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM. A live streaming of the funeral service is available via the link https://youtu.be/ZxXsQATOrjM. Click here to view the funeral service program. Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
April 8, 1918 - December 21, 2020
It was Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:15 p.m., such a beautiful day, when Daddy slipped quietly away.
On April 8, 1918, William Arthur Mercer was born to the late Charlie and Eliza Fisher Mercer of Caroline County, Virginia. At an early age he accepted Christ and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Supply, Virginia.
On February 8, 1937, he was joined in holy matrimony to Margaret Dorothy Childs and they relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia. There, the two became members of Shiloh Baptist Church New Site where he attended faithfully until his health began to decline. To this union five children were born. William Mercer, Jr. their first born, died in infancy.
William attended school in Caroline County and even though he only completed the sixth grade, he was one of the wisest men ever! He joined the United States Army and was active in World War II. He was one of the first African Americans to serve as a Military Policeman (MP). He retired from Sylvania Plant (FMC) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Again, he became employed and retired from Fruit Growers Corporation in Alexandria, Virginia as a forklift operator. He enjoyed yard work. William was employed as a landscaper for many of the homes on upper Caroline Street. He took great pride in his yard and received multiple compliments on its appearance and its beautiful flowers, especially his Dahlias.
He worked hard to instill a sense of right and wrong in his children. William was very proud that they followed his path of hard work and accomplishment. He also enjoyed cooking and was known for his homemade biscuits. His favorite season was summer because he loved the sunshine, high temperatures, longer daylight and sitting on his porch watching his television. Never an athlete, he couldn’t understand football or basketball however, he loved and understood the game of baseball. The New York Yankees was his team. He was not only granddaddy to his grandchildren but was “granddaddy” to all their friends and the children in his neighborhood. He loved Mayfield and did so much for those living there. He cut grass for his neighbors, transported his neighbors to the voting polls, grocery store and church. He never expected or accepted anything in return.
William was a member of the Mayfield Civic Association since its inception and attended the monthly meetings until he could no longer attend. However, he would wait patiently on the porch for his cousin, Sonny Holmes, to come over and relay all that had taken place within the monthly Mayfield Civic Association meetings. He enjoyed sitting on the porch in his favorite chair and having conversations with those who would come to visit. He loved making videos for Facebook and hearing the many comments from his “fans.”
He was a very proud member of the Prince Hall Masons Lodge #61 since April 10, 1953. William loved his Masonic brothers. He also loved politics and kept up with what was going on in the world with his sixth grade education declaring he was a self-taught man. He was also very stylish. He received and accepted compliments on his wardrobe all the time! His favorite hymns were “Peace in the Valley” and “Ain’t No Rock;” his favorite R& B song was Jaime Foxx’s, “I Don’t Need It” and his family got so much pleasure from seeing his reaction when that song was played.
William was known as “Dick,” “Dickie,” “Daddy,” ” Granddaddy,” “Mr. Mercer,” “Uncle Dick,” “Wilmaffa (William Arthur),” and the infamous, “Coffee.” He was known to give each grandchild a nickname as you will see as you continue to read.
His family was dedicated to his care until the very end. Bobby, Jerine and his “baby daughter” Beverly stood by his side carrying out his every wish. Daddy will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
William was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Mrs. Margaret Mercer; his son, O’Neal Mercer; his grandson, O’Neal Mercer, Jr.; his siblings, Herbert Mercer and Kate B. Gray; his daughter-in-law, Edmonia Mercer.
He leaves to cherish his memory and exceptional life one son, Robert “Bobby” Mercer, two daughters, Jerine McConnell, and Beverly Lawson; eight grandchildren, Leslie "Fred," Celestine "Legs," Traci "Lil Rat," Angela "Big Red," Joseph "Gate Mouth," Sekou "Kou," Yolanda "Snake Eye," and Kamilah "Flim Flam"; eleven great-grandchildren, Diaunte, Bernard, Briana, Danyail, Dejaun, Nicodemus, Ny’kelle, Jahla, Lamar, Salana, and T’Yanna; ten great-great grandchildren; a loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Mary "Big Eye,"; two nieces, Sheila Gray Paige and Brenda Bernetta Robinson; four nephews, Winston Gray, John Foster, Sherman Paige, and Taft Coghill Sr.; a special friend, Diane Washington; loving in-law, Cordelia Price; dedicated friends, Lindburgh Bundy, Emmaline Gray and Joseph Marshall; a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, BJ Shanks, R.N. and Delisa Showers, N.P. of the Veterans Administration, Mary Washington Hospice, Joyce, Chrystal, Roseanna, Robin, and Pierre of Home Instead Nursing Agency. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to the entire Shiloh Baptist Church New Site church family and the community for all acts of kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s honor to the Mayfield Civic Association, 415 Tyler Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Monday, December 28, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM. A live streaming of the funeral service is available via the link https://youtu.be/ZxXsQATOrjM. Click here to view the funeral service program. Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
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