William "Bill" E. Mercer

Bill Mercer, a devoted family man, accomplished businessman, and generous mentor, passed away peacefully on Thursday, the 12th of December 2024, after a three-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters in his final moments.

Born on the 25th of March 1941, in Kewanee, Illinois, Bill was the youngest of five siblings and the beloved son of Ida Lorene and John George Mercer. Growing up on a corn farm, he developed a tireless work ethic that became the cornerstone of his life. He graduated second in his class at Neponset High School and earned his degree from the University of Illinois, later becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Bill's professional journey took him to Houston, Texas, where he began his career at Arthur Young. In 1972, he joined Service Corporation International (SCI), eventually becoming CFO, and proudly played a pivotal role in taking the company public. In 1989, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase Southwest Guaranty Trust (later renamed National Fiduciary Services), where he served as Owner/CEO until its sale in 2004. Retirement was short-lived for Bill, who purchased Historic Hollywood Cemetery in 2009, preserving its legacy for future generations—a mission his family proudly continues today.

Bill was dedicated to his community and served on the boards of St. Francis Episcopal Day School and Legacy Funeral Group. His commitment to helping others extended far beyond the boardroom, as he continually offered his time, expertise, and resources to those in need.

On the 12th of July 1974, Bill married the love of his life, Kathleen K. Mercer. Together, they built a family grounded in love and laughter, raising three daughters together: Kristin Mercer Anthony and her husband David Anthony, Korin Mercer Burnett and her husband Derrick Burnett, and Kimberly Mercer Thweatt and her husband Joseph Thweatt. Bill cherished his role as “Pops” to his nine grandchildren: Robert Leighton, Dustin Leighton, Jacob Leighton, Kayler Burnett, Chace Anthony, Shelby Burnett, Paige Anthony, Sophie Thweatt, and Mercer Thweatt.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth, his brother Roger, and recently by his oldest daughter Laure Leighton and son-in-law Robert Leighton, as well as many dear friends he’s loved and lost along the way.

When not immersed in business, Bill found joy at Mercer K Ranch near Giddings, Texas, where he enjoyed making memories with friends and family, fishing and his beloved donkey, Thelma. Bill enjoyed a good merlot, lunches with “the guys” and sharing his expertise to help others succeed. Always a helper, Bill touched the lives of many with his generosity, mentorship, and passion for life.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the wonderful caregivers and nurses at Pax et Vita Hospice & Home Care, led by Dr. Ahmed, and Belmont Village Senior Living, where Bill spent his final days with comfort and dignity.

Bill’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he enriched during his remarkable life.

Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers include Bill’s longtime friends: Gary Alletag, Frank Bantle, Jesse Jenckes, Mike Phillips, Bob Lehman, Joe Richardson, Jerry Runnels, and Jack Stoner.

Friends are cordially invited to greet the family during a visitation at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 20th of December, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the funeral service is to commence at three o’clock. Immediately following, all are invited to join the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

Family and friends will gather for a private interment at Historic Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 913 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or by visiting online at lbda.org

Please visit Bill’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.