Khalil Toufic Merhi

Khalil Merhi passed away peacefully in the Lord on October 28, 2024 at 8pm surrounded by his beloved family and devoted wife, after his 7 year battle of cancer. Khalil is survived by his wife Eman Merhi and his Children Joanna Merhi, Lilian Boutros the wife of Mina Boutros, and Iyad Merhi the husband of Veronica Melgar. He is also survived by his grandchildren Grace Boutros, Ruth Boutros and Elijah Boutros.

Khalil, "a friend of God" by the Arabic translation of his name, was born in Lebanon and dedicated his life to his family. A true man of God and a simple man with a childlike faith. He gladly beared the cross and suffered without an utterance of complaint. He praised God in every situation. "Thanks be to God" seemed to be the only words that came out of his mouth. He loved to laugh, he loved his wife deeply, and he loved his kids and his grandkids. He especially loved it when he heard people say his grandson looked like "Khalil elsgheer".

He will be remembered for profoundly manifesting God's grace even until his last breath, finishing the race and reigning in the Victory with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender.

Thine is the battle, Thine shall be the praise;

when passing through the gates of pearly splendor,

victors, we rest with thee, through endless days." -Edith Gilling Cherry

A funeral service for Khalil will be held Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church, 2930 Co Rd 193, Clearwater, FL 33759. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759.