Thomas Merrick III

Thomas was born on August 15, 1947 to Thomas J. Merrick and Kathleen Casey Merrick in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Father Judge High School, he joined the United States Air Force and spent 22 years serving in the military.

Thomas made lifelong friends who turned into family while stationed at Peshawar Air Station (Pakistan), Clark AFB (Philippines), Taipei Air Station (Taiwan), Lackland AFB (Texas), Clark AFB (2nd time), Ellsworth AFB (South Dakota), Camp John Hay Air Station (Philippines), Kunsan AFB (Korea), Hickam AFB (Hawaii), and Andrews AFB (Maryland). Thomas was recognized as a 1983 Outstanding Airman of the Year award winner for the entire US Air Force. Thomas also had the privilege to serve many government officials, but his favorite was the honor of working with Former President George HW Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush. After his military retirement, he spent the next 30 years serving his club members at the Park Country Club (Buffalo, NY), Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club (Coral Gables, FL), and Transit Valley Country Club (Amherst, NY) where he retired a second time at the age of 70. Thomas loved his career and was very passionate about the hospitality industry, especially spending many years building the strongest friendships with colleagues as a proud member of Club Managers Association of America (CMAA).

In 1971, Thomas met Priscilla, and they wed in 1972, going on to have two children, daughter Kimberly Miranda and son Timothy.

Thomas was predeceased by his parents and brother Danny. Thomas is survived by his wife Priscilla, daughter Kimberly Miranda (Rick), son Timothy, grandson Anthony (Destiny), great grandson Ryder, and his sister Kathleen Merrick Howell (Artie). Thomas also leaves to cherish his fond memories to his many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Relatives, friends, and family are invited to attend Thomas’s Memorial Service on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 11AM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL followed by Military Committal Service at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102 Ave, Bushnell, FL.