John Elliott Mercer

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara Ann Craig Mercer, and his son of 52 years, John Craig Mercer. He is survived by his daughter, Beth Mercer Odom.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held Friday, August 19, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at Tucker First United Methodist Church, 5095 LaVista Road, Tucker, Georgia. A private burial will be held at a later date in Marshallville, Georgia.

John was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, on July 31, 1933. As an Eagle Scout, he attended the 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, at which Dwight Eisenhower addressed the Scouts. He graduated high school from Georgia Military College. He was granted an ROTC commission and appointment to West Point, but poor eyesight excluded him from service and he attended Georgia Tech, where he graduated with honors.

John spent his career as an internal auditor for Bell South, most of it in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as a deacon at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. He chaperoned youth group events, including rafting the Ichetucknee, and volunteered for many mission activities. The former Eagle Scout served as a Scoutmaster for his son’s troop for many years. He moved to Atlanta for Bell South in 1981 and retired there nearly 20 years later.

John loved his family dearly. He attended his children’s choral and band concerts, recitals and plays. He introduced them early to fine dining and the symphony. Though John couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, the 1812 Overture could often be heard booming on the stereo on Saturday afternoons.

He also loved woodworking and tinkering around the house. His replica model of the Cutty Sark won first place in a local competition. He could build anything, from cement pavers for his home in Jacksonville, to a stunning grandfather clock with hand-oiled finish.

All who knew him will miss him dearly.

Arrangements under the direction of Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Tucker, GA.