HORTENSE – Mr. Franklin “Frank” H. Mercer, 91 of Hortense, passed away Friday evening, September 20, 2024 at his residence with his loving family by his side after an extended illness.
Mercer was born in Dothan, Ala., towards the end of the great dep ression before moving with his family to Densmore community of Jacksonville, Fla. His parents were Homer Lee Mercer and Nettie Hamilton Mercer. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Strickland Mercer; a grandson, Nathaniel Gonzales; a great granddaughter, Cadence Hope Young; three brothers, Fauline Mercer, Jessie Mercer and Willard Mercer; and two sisters, Edna Lloyd and Elma Hand.
Mercer and his wife joined the Brantley County community in 1963. He was very well known throughout the community for walking around with a cigar in his mouth.
After moving to south Georgia in 1963, Mercer began his own construction business that would span almost six decades at the time of his death. He loved to travel only where he could keep his feet on the ground, which expanded three countries and 49 U.S. states. He also loved reading, watching westerns, having coffee and socializing with friends at the Huddle House, but utmost loving the Lord and spending valuable time with family.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-inlaw, Pamela Gonzales (David) of Modesto, Cal., and Amanda “Happy” Ware (Matthew) of Los Angeles, Cal.; a son, Victor Mercer (Janice) of Hortense; 10 grandchildren, Eric Strickland (Barbie) of Brunswick, Megan Gonzales (Dearry), Katy Gonzales (Isaac), Alexis Gonzales (Josh), Gabriel Gonzales all of Modesto, Cal., Cameron Mercer, Seth Mercer both of Hortense, Zach Young (Stephanie) of Katy, Texas, Braden Ware (Genevieve) of San Diego, Cal., and Kayelan Ware of Hortense; 15 great grandchildren, Brooke and Lauren, both of Brunswick, Jaden, Damian, Ethan, Zoey, Ayden, Melody, Addison, Ellie all of Modesto, Cal., Ryder and Ryleigh of Hortense, Judah and Harper both of Katy, Texas, and Atticus of Hortense; his adopted family, Randy and Pat Davison of Hortense, Clayton and Trudy Johnson of Buffalo Creek, Russel Roberson and Ronald Strickland of Nahunta; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 5 at Frye Funeral Home with Pastor Ashton Ham officiating.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 4 at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.
Arrangements were with Frye Funeral Home.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
