Joel Dewitt Mercer

Joel Dewitt Mercer passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, brother and friend. He was born in a small town near Montgomery, Alabama, to Burma Mae and Ernest Harmon Mercer. When Joel was a small child, his family moved to Auburndale, Florida, where he grew up with two brothers, Ernest and Andrew (“Andy”), and a sister, Beverly. He attended church in Auburndale, was saved, and memorized over 200 bible verses so he could spend a free week at bible school camp. He also enjoyed exploring, hunting, camping, canoeing, boating, deep sea fishing, traveling and Boy Scouts. As a teenage Boy Scout, he endeavored and achieved the designation of Eagle Scout.

When Joel became a student at Auburndale High School (“AHS”), Joel studied history, science and participated in sports. He had many friends and was made captain of the AHS football team. During that time, he also enjoyed traveling to Winter Haven on the weekends for dancing at Teen Tavern where, at age 15, he met his future wife, Charlotte.

During high school, the community rallied in support of Joel when he had a serious hunting accident. He was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and his critical condition resulted in a brief life after death experience. Through treatment, prayers and ongoing support of Charlotte, family, friends and the community, he fully recovered from his injuries.

Joel and Charlotte dated several years. They became active members at First Baptist Church of Winter Haven. After graduating high school, Joel moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University (“FSU”). Joel majored in geology and joined the FSU Circus as a catcher on the trapeze. He also worked multiple jobs to pay his way through college and realized he enjoyed being a salesman. After Charlotte graduated from Winter Haven High School, they married at First Baptist Church. Thereafter, Charlotte joined Joel in Tallahassee. A year later, they had their first son, Anthony (“Tony”).

After Joel graduated from FSU, the family moved to Mulberry. Joel started a geologist position in the Mulberry mines. He also started a job with Gulf Life Insurance as a debit insurance agent. Because of his insurance experience, Joel was provided an opportunity to start a State Farm Insurance Agency in Winter Haven. He and Charlotte worked hard to establish the insurance agency and support five children (Anthony, Michael, Steve, Kathy and Greg) and many pets (dogs, cats, a pony, a horse, monkeys, and a pig). As the agency grew, Joel won several company trips overseas and other places. He also became a Scout Master and took the family on many camping trips and other travels with the church and family.

After over 38 years as a State Farm Agent in Winter Haven, Joel retired. He and Charlotte spent many years visiting a second home exploring the mountains of Franklin, North Carolina, and also became active in the local Baptist church there. Many knew Joel to be generous, compassionate, and had a great sense of humor. He often told jokes and was the source of many funny pranks on family members and friends.

Joel and Charlotte were married over 65 years. In August 2020, Charlotte passed away. Their eldest son, Tony, predeceased them in August 2017. Joel is survived by his children: Michael J. Mercer (Sandy), Steve Mercer, Kathy Mercer Gray (Don), and Gregory E. Mercer (Lisa); grandchildren: Ashley Lynn Haynes (Cory), Kaylee Mercer (Javier), Cody Mercer, Ashley Marie Shouppe (Anthony), and Alyssa Mercer; and great grandchildren: Charlotte Haynes, Finley Haynes, Layla Mercer, Levi Mercer, Noelle Narvaez, Jacob Shouppe, and Easton Shouppe.

Celebration of Life services will be held at Ott Laughlin Funeral Home, 2198 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale, Florida 33823, 863-967-8558, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.