Paul Dean Mercer

Always a man of quiet nature, he fought a courageous battle with leukemia for the past three years. He faced it bravely without complaining.

As long as his health permitted, he attended Greystone FWB Church, where he served as deacon for many years.

His formative years of education were spent at Washington College after which he was on active duty in Korea with the U.S. Army. After his service in the military, he was employed a Magnavox of Greeneville for 52 years. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time on the farm with the family, camping, golfing with his golf buddies, and watching Lady Rebel basketball games.

As past president of the Greystone Ruritan, he served until his health no longer permitted and was appointed to the Vice President position on an in-active status.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years: Pat Mercer; two daughters and sons-in-law: Kim and Randy Hawk and Tammy and Stan Southerland; two special granddaughters and husbands: Tallie and Stephen Gregg and Nikki and Bobby Gregg; two step-granddaughters: Allie Long and Kerry McFarland; step-grandson: Austin Southerland; five special great grandchildren: Ryleigh and Brennan Gregg, Kolben, Kaseton Paul, and Kreeden Gregg; three step great grandchildren: Amelia Long, Ryan and Jillian McFarland; brother and sister-in-law: John and Mary Mercer of Crossville; two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Jerry Hopson and Jimmy and Jane Hopson; and several special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Lou Mercer; and his siblings: Jessie McCoy and Dawson Mercer, Irene Hopson, Myrtle Hopson, and Albert Mercer; and a son-in-law: Fred Ottinger.

The family will receive friends from 5pm-8pm Thursday at Greystone FWB Church.

the funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, June 5, 2015, at Greystone FWB Church with Rev. Roger Stocton, Rev. Jerry Hopson, and Rev. Keith Williams officiating.

Interment will follow in Greystone Cemetery. The Greene County Honor Guard will conduct a military graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Bob Hopson, Guy Hopson, Allen Hopson, Lyndell Hopson, Steve Jones, Doug Jones, Dane Mercer, Dwayne Mercer, Tony Reaves, and Bill Hopson.

Honorary pallbearers are his golf buddies, the men of Greystone Church, and Ruritan members.

The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge: loving special caregivers: Laughlin short stay nurses, Dr. Dharmen Patel and staff, his chemotherapy nurses, Dr. Charles Montgomery and staff and Caris caregivers.