Thomas Curry Merchant Jr.

I hope your Dad knew how much he was loved and how important he was to our family. Thanks to you all for sharing him and your mother with us. Ann Margaret

Mr. Merchant was a wonderful person and we feel blessed that we had the opportunity to know him.

Mary Ann, So sorry to hear about your father.

TOmmy:

I worked with your Dad for two years and you were my classmate. Your mother was our Scoutmaster for cub scouts and I spent a lot of my childhood at your house. That and working with your Dad for two years makes me thankful that he could teach me how to be ethical and work hard all my life. I'll never forget those years and hope you family is encouraged by the many peorple your Dad had in his lifetime.

Shirley, Mary An, Mae, and Tom, you were so blessed to have such a wonderful DAD. Curry was such an inspiration to me. I will always remember his smile. So contagious.

He made a life's work of standing up to those who were in a position to retaliate, on behalf of those who in no position to reciprocate. If, as Emerson said, 'the purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference,' then truly Curry Merchant lived to great purpose... and signed his name to it.

My memories of Currie and Shirley are just as vivid as they were back in the late 50's. I adored them both as did my father, Marshall Hamilton. Bonnie and I send our love to all of you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Merchant was a true gentleman and my father had such respect for him. How fortunate you have been to have had him all these years. Take care and God Bless you. Jeanne Clark Flowers, Bill Flowers, Krista and Brian Walker

The Merchant family and the Kelly family/Howerton families have been friends for a very long time spanning several generations. It was a great privilege and special joy to have known Shirley, Curry, and their wonderful family. They were delightful people who were so loved by everyone who knew them; they helped to make Madison a wonderful place for all to enjoy. He/they will be forever remembered with much love and with great appreciation for the many ways that he -and also Shirley- touched...