José Mercado

José was born on February 28, 1940 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to Juan Mercado & Sabina (“Nené”) Melendez. He graduated in 1958 from Miguel Such Vocational School in Puerto Rico, and later obtained a certification in electrical drafting. On April 28, 1961, José married his beautiful bride Millie Castellón. During his youth he joined the Boy Scouts of America, and as a young adult served in the Puerto Rican National Guard.

José worked for several small engineering companies in Puerto Rico as an electrical draftsman. In 1979, he was hired to work at Daniel Engineering. Then, in January of 1980, José, his wife, Millie, and four children, Ruthie, Loida, Luis, and Damaris made the big move from Puerto Rico to Greenville, South Carolina.

While still in Puerto Rico, he was called to pastor a small church in Puerto Rico–Iglesia Misión Evangélica La Cumbre. There he pastored for nine years until the Mercado family moved to the United States.

Once in Greenville, José and Millie started Spanish Bible study groups hosted in English-speaking churches. Many of those congregations have flourished into additional Spanish-speaking churches throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. The Mercado family planted deep roots in the Spanish church community.

He was well-known for his quick sense of humor–always making people laugh– and for his own hearty laugh. But he was also known for making others feel safe and loved. He was an example of someone who reached out and served wholeheartedly.

José is survived by his wife of 65 years, Millie, his children Ruth Mercado, Loida (Sam) Evatt, Luis (Sarah) Mercado, and Damaris (Brad) Collier. He was a proud “Papa Tito” to his grandchildren–Dr. Amberley (Josh) Raushenberger, Andrew (Oni) Mercado, Blair (Bryce) Miller, Rev. Heather Evatt, Jameson (Madisen) Evatt, Danielle, Brooke, Rachel, and R.J. Collier; and great-grandchildren Analee Cotto, Leah, and Ezra Mercado, Elias Raushenberger, Liam, Nora, Ava, and Milo Miller

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn, 1 Pine Knoll Dr. Greenville, SC 29609. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 12:00 noon also at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn.