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CECIL MERCER Obituary


MERCER, CECIL DUKE
Cecil Duke Mercer, a retired Distinguished Professor at the University of Florida, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2014 at home after a long battle with neurological Lyme Disease. He was born on January 31, 1943 in Wilson, North Carolina to Russell Arden and Lois Octavia Mercer. He graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond, Virginia, where he was student body president. Cecil's education continued at University of Richmond, where he earned a BA degree and was on the baseball team and a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He then attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned a MS degree, and the University of Virginia where he earned a doctorate in education.
Cecil met his wife Ann Louise Robertson while at the University of Richmond and they married on September 10, 1966 in Richmond, Virginia. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Cecil worked as a superintendent at a study home for boys, a vocational rehabilitation counselor, a supervisor of a vocational rehabilitation unit, and a teacher of Head Start students and students with learning disabilities. In 1974, he and his family moved to Gainesville, FL, and he began work as a professor at the University of Florida College of Education. He retired in 2005 due to medical reasons.
Cecil was a well-known speaker and a prolific writer. He was the keynote or featured speaker at education or business conferences in 41 states. He also authored or coauthored 22 textbooks, 17 curriculum materials, and numerous book chapters and refereed journal articles. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association and was a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Learning Disabilities Association of America.
While at the University of Florida, Cecil received numerous awards, including the Teacher of the Year Award three times, the Advisor/ Mentoring Award, and the Professorial Excellence Program Award. Cecil was co-Founder and Director of the 'Ross-Mercer Program', also known as the Florida Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Training Program (MDTP), which has served children with learning disabilities and underachievement difficulties in the school districts of North Central Florida since 1980. In addition, after his retirement, Cecil received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Research and Leadership from the University of Florida and the Outstanding Higher Education Faculty Alumni Award from the University of Virginia.
In addition to his professional passion for teaching, speaking, and writing, Cecil enjoyed playing golf, coaching baseball, gardening, and traveling. He had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to tell stories and jokes. Cecil especially enjoyed his grandchildren, who affectionately called him 'Pop' and brought him great joy.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Arden and Lois Mercer, and his brother, Irvin Mercer. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Ann Robertson Mercer of Gainesville; his sons, Kevin Gray Mercer (Jen) of Jacksonville, Gregory Todd Mercer (Erica) of Jacksonville, and Kenneth Duke Mercer of Gainesville; his sister Denise Meador (Bill) of Chesterfield, VA; his sister-in-law Brenda Mercer of Elkton, VA; and six grandchildren, Noelle, Nicholas, Ansley, Sadie, Emerson, and Ford.
Cecil was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. For those who wish, contributions can be made in his memory to the Cecil Mercer Scholarship Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church.
A Memorial service, with Dr. Dan Johnson officiating, will be held at 1:00 on Tuesday, November 25th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32653. A reception will follow at the Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home. Please visit his memorial page at
www.williamsthomas
funeralhome.com

Published by Gainesville Sun from Nov. 23 to Nov. 24, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for CECIL MERCER

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Always a blessing to remember the "Duke." I hope you know that your work continues to be shared, researched and spoken about.

Henry Tenenbaum

School

November 17, 2022

Cecil, you are gone, but never forgotten. I am thankful to have met you. You not only challenged me to be a better teacher, but also the best me.

Tarcha Rentz

Student

November 17, 2020

The "Duke," will forever be a light in my life. He was a magnificent teacher and researcher.

Henry Tenenbaum

Student

November 17, 2020

Hey Duke, RIP

Henry Tenenbaum

Student

November 19, 2019

Ann I am so sorry to learn of Cecil's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I will always treasure his stories and wisdom he shared on visits to Bill and Vernice's in Raleigh. We all have such fond memories with you and Cecil.

Lynn Burton

April 5, 2015

Dr. Mercer was a superb leader in Special Education. Through his life and publications, he set standards for the very best in "Best Practices" for students with exceptionalities. I used various editions of his books with the assurance that my students would have a solid foundation of theory and practice.'bless his memory.

Ralph Leverett

February 12, 2015

Ann, I was so sorry to read about Cecil. I knew him as a fraternity brother at Richmond and regarded him as my friend . He was a wonderfully honest and moral person who always saw the positive side of life. I am saddened to know that he is gone . My best to you and your family.

Larry Hitchner

December 16, 2014

To the Mercer Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Mercer. It was such an honor to be a part of his classes at UF. I have so many fond memories of his lectures! Dr. Mercer had such a fantastic way of instructing, and that southern drawl made it even better! I enjoyed listening to his stories of his family and his experiences in life- it made things so real to this bright eyed 20 something who was ready to take on the world. Ironically, just this past week I shared something I always carried with me from Dr. Mercer with the parent of one of my students- save your energies for the big stuff because you never know when the big stuff will come around. Wise words from a very kind, very wise man.
Dr. Mercer, thank you for being a role model and an inspiration. To Ann and the rest of your family, thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the EduGator Nation.

With a heavy heart,
Tracy Sage Belcher, UF c/o 1993

Tracy Belcher

December 13, 2014

Dr. Mercer was my favorite professor by far when i was in graduate school at UF. i still use his books.

December 7, 2014

Dear Ann
Having known each of you before you met each other, I could realize how truly special you were as individuals & together with your 3 boys a real blessing to us all; most certainly to my family over the many years. So glad to see Cecil and you recently, and quoting his cheerful response, he was "glad to be seen." And now with sorrow at his leaving us, we will just have to imagine his joy & rewards in heaven. Much love to you & family, Harry & Cathy(May Tyler)Findley

December 7, 2014

Cecil will be fondly remembered forever by the NC Learning Disability community of North Carolina

Barbara Carruthers

December 1, 2014

May God bless and keep the Mercer family during your time of bereavement. Please accept my deepest condolences. Dr Mercer's humanity, humor, insights and inspiration have touched the lives of countless educators and students. Without him we would have been at a great loss in helping our most needy
children. His impact on public schooling will serve us well into the future.

Robert Craig

November 27, 2014

Ann you and all the family are in our prayers. We were so blessed to know Cecil and have him coach our boys in baseball. We had so many great times with your family. We will cherish these memories forever. We love you. Diane and Jimmy Hazen

Diane Hazen

November 26, 2014

Dear Greg, We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. We want to extend our condolences to you & your family and let you know that you are in our thoughts.

Aunt Phyl & Uncle Pete

November 25, 2014

Our deepest condolences to the Mercer family. Dr. Mercer was a wonderful teacher to myself and so many other local educators. He will truly be missed.

Tracey & Rick Bryant

November 25, 2014

Denise,
We are so sorry for you loss. Love , Mark, Sheila , Brandon , and Holly

Sheila Mabey

November 25, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tommy and Beverly Waters

November 25, 2014

Dr Mercer had such an impact on our family-through baseball with his sons and Jimbo, and at Trinity.His kindness will nbe missed. Blessed to have known him. May God sustain you all now.

Ray Crone

November 25, 2014

Ann and family,
After reviewing the wonderful comments of Cecil's students, it was obvious that his wonderful character, integrity, and presence was appreciated beyond our days at UR as Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brothers. Cecil was a terrific brother, always there for the fraternity, with all the attributes that have already been described by his students and friends.
We in Richmond will miss him forever. I wish that I could be with you at this difficult time for you and all who loved him.

Tony Sakowski, MD

November 25, 2014

My condolences to Mrs. Ann Mercer and Family. Dr. Mercer was an example of excellence and love for his fellow man. He reminded me to approach negative situations with a positive outlook. He had laughter and a conversation that could change any cloudy day. During the period that I studied in his presence, I noticed that he worked tirelessly toward enriching others in our field and preparing them for future endeavors. The best moment that I shared with him was a military conversation regarding how to “focus and finish.” Dr. Mercer will be missed and the world is a much lesser place without him.

Barry L. Bogan

November 24, 2014

Denise, I am so proud of you as you have been the anchor for this part of the Mercer family. Who would have imagined back in our early fun-loving teenage days, that life would happen and be as it is? You are such an amazing cousin and woman! My sincerest love and thoughts are with you.

Debra Peterman

November 24, 2014

My deepest condolences to the Mercer family. Kevin, Greg, and Ken, your father touched the lives of so many young people, including mine.

Karen Godfrey Clarke

November 24, 2014

I was greatly impacted both by his writing and his teaching. He enjoyed a good debate and allowed for disagreements . I am glad his body is released from the pain but offer my condolences to his family in their time of grieving

Brenda ppetkanicsPetkanics

November 24, 2014

Ann, Lou and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are both deeply sadden at the loss of Cecil. He will remain always in our hearts.

Uncle Lou and Aunt Barbara Mercer

November 24, 2014

Two professors impacted my life as a teacher more than anyone else and Dr. Mercer was one of them. What he taught me about compassion for children with different learning styles far surpassed the tremendous intellectual skills I received while at UF in the mid-70's. His memory lives on through the thousands of teachers and students' lives that were impacted by his generous, kind, and caring spirit.

Bonnie Stein

November 23, 2014

So sad to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. My prayers are with you all. He had such a welcoming smile, kind words and contagious smile.

Stephanie Buckner Turner

November 23, 2014

I knew the Duke while I was a graduate student and with the Ross-Mercer Project (MDTP). He was a gent, and a wonderful professor. Hard to imagine the world without Cecil- May G-d keep his soul, and prayers for the Mercer family.

Henry Tenenbaum

November 23, 2014

Anne my condolences to your whole family. I was a student over 20 years ago and still use Cecil's shared jokes to this day. I remember his joy, the love of his family that came through in every lecture, and the inspired level of caring for our students that he modeled and instilled in me. Thank you Cecil for my career and passion.

Deanna Bonnell

November 23, 2014

To the Mercer Family,
I will remember my classes with Dr. Mercer fondly and all interactions through LDA as well. When seeing his picture, I can instantly recall his laugh and his voice. He will be remembered and his work will be reflected every day as I teach children who struggle to learn. Thank you for sharing Dr. Mercer with all of us for all these years.

Ann Whitten

November 23, 2014

I am so sorry to receive this news. Dr. Mercer was my favorite professor. In 1989 ( I believe) I nominated him for Teacher of the Year with no idea that it was not anonymous. He thanked me with flowers. I always enjoyed his enthusiasm for education.

Julie Faulk

November 23, 2014

Dr Mercer was my favorite professor. He will be missed by many

Laurie Tudeen

November 23, 2014

Ann and the entire family, I am sorry for your loss. I learned so many wonderful things from Cecil, but the thing I think of every day is to be generous with others. He was always working to impart that idea to all of us students.

November 23, 2014

To the Mercer Family: My condolences for your loss. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. God's promise to empty the grave in the near future is found at Hosea 13:14. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow.

G T

November 23, 2014

You inspired me, believed in me, supported me...I'm the educator I am today largely because of you. You were an amazing teacher, counselor, researcher, and most importantly a compassionate person. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Tarcha Rentz

November 23, 2014

I was just thinking of you this past week.You were a very special mentor and friend to me while I was a student at UF.I have a note you wrote to me displayed in my home.I know how much you loved your family, students and wife.I will NEVER forgot the conversations I shared with both of you.I have not had the privilege of seeing you for a long time and never got to see you the times I attended Church.I will always hold a special place for you in my heart.You helped me achieve my dream of obtaining my MA degree despite many challenges.You are no longer in pain and dancing on streets of gold with so many others .My dogs Zoe/Kimo are with you.Thank you and your wife for making a difference in my life.You helped more people that you probably will ever know and I am a better person because you believed in me!!!!!You wil be so missed but will live on through all of us as well as your GREAT publications.Thank you for making this world a much better place.You will forever be loved.Fire Instructor III/EMT -Paramedic????????

Jennifer Tozzo

November 23, 2014

We are thanking God for the life of Cecil and for the beauty of Ann's love for him.

November 23, 2014

My condolences to Mrs. Mercer, Kevin, Greg, and Ken. I have really fond memories of playing little league baseball for Mr. Mercer. He had a great way with young kids and helped make baseball a lifetime hobby/habit for some of us. I can still remember those Saturday practices at the old field at Littlewood and Mr. Mercer always doing or saying something funny to keep us going. Great wit and sense of humor. I'll never forget those days of playing for Mr. Mercer, Ed Turner and my dad. Seems like yesterday, but at the same time so long ago. Mr. Mercer was a good man who had a lasting impact on myself and many others. Rest in peace.

Jeff Hazen

November 23, 2014

We are praying for you and you family during and following this very difficult time. The Osteens.

November 23, 2014

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