Bill Ray Mercer

Billy Ray Mercer, Senior, was born on August 12, 1928 in San Angelo, Texas to Homer Mercer and Elsie Lee Clark Mercer. As a teenager he moved to Dallas where he met his wife, Pauline Edmonds, at church. On July 3, 1946, both at the age of 17 years, they were wed. He became known as “Bill” and his love of music grew as his father in law helped him develop his singing talent. Most of Bill and Pauline’s Sunday afternoons at that time were spent singing in a family gospel group among Churches of Christ the Dallas area.

Bill and Pauline started a family and eventually moved to Mesquite, Texas. Over the years they enjoyed watching their children play sports, and going on family camping and fishing trips. Bill’s love of the Lord guided him and Pauline to build a family structure around their faith in God. The Mercer Family attended Mesquite Church of Christ as their home church.

Bill has 55 years of dedication to the churches in Mesquite and Forney. His services includes being a song leader, a teacher, and an elder. Additionally, Bill developed a singing ministry for the Veteran's Hospital, nursing homes, church weddings and funerals.

One of Bill’s most enjoyable times were the years when he sang bass in a men’s quartet nicknamed “The Cuspidors”. This group was composed of his beloved brother in law Gene Edmonds and the Tunnell brothers, Marshall and Jerrell. Bill also added golf to his repertoire of leisure. However, his favorite hobby of all times was gardening. He won several awards from the City of Mesquite for his colorful garden.

Bill and Pauline’s family life revolved around their five children, seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Gatherings and visits were around birthdays, holidays, weddings, vacations, and lots of love. Bill’s presence as a husband, father, Papaw and great Papaw will be sorely missed as their lives go on.

Bill Mercer passed from this life on December 27, 2017 at the age of 89 in Mesquite, Texas. His legacy remains his marriage of 71 years to Pauline Edmonds Mercer, the raising of his family, and his years of service to the church. He remained faithful to the Lord until his death, singing and praising God moments before he died.

In addition to his wife Pauline Mercer, Bill Mercer is survived by:

Karen Elaine and her husband David McIlroy of Anchorage, Alaska.

Darrell Wayne and wife Candis Mercer of Forney, Texas.

Brian Ray and wife Tina Mercer of Benton, Louisiana.

Robert Lloyd Mercer of Mesquite, Texas

Billy Ray Mercer Jr. of Mesquite, Texas.It was Billy who became his dad’s full time caretaker the last three years.

Seven grandchildren: Chris McIlroy and wife Meghan, Scott McIlroy and wife Babette, Tiffany Sayles and husband Josh, Hillary Mercer, Courtney Mercer, Montana Mercer and Madison Mercer.

Eleven great-grandchildren: Paige, Brayden, Faith, Dustin, Cora, Mason, Cameron, Witten, Landon, Rylan and Hadley.

Bill Mercer was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers H.C. and Harley Mercer. On December 30, 2017, Bill’s funeral and reception will be at Mesquite Church of Christ. Interment will be at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas