Dr. Jerry Lee Mercer

1936 - 2022

Dr. Jerry Lee Mercer
July 7, 1936 - June 14, 2022
Lexington, Kentucky - Dr. Jerry Lee Mercer passed away in Shreveport, LA on June 14, 2022 at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Ruth Burke Mercer and his youngest daughter, Diane Cornelius. He is survived by three daughters, Donnel Milam (Robert), Deborah VanLeeuwen (Mark), Kathryn Hopper (Dave) and seventeen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all who affectionately called him their beloved "King of the Skunks." Jerry loved life and was full of surprises. He was a collector, a teacher, a writer, a poet. . .an evangelist proclaiming the Good News to every brother and sister he met along the way. He was a proud Texan, Kentucky Wildcat fan and frequent pilgrim to the Abbey of Gethsemani. He loved art, music, history and was an avid photographer. He was also a prolific writer, not only of faith-based texts but also of poetry and social and political commentary. He loved animals and nature. Jerry served as Professor of Religion at Azusa Pacific University from 1965-1972 and Professor of Theology and Homiletics at Asbury Theological Seminary from 1972 until retirement in 1999. During his tenure at Asbury, he worked closely with the Eastern Territory of the Salvation Army, wrote books and study materials for the United Methodist Church, and shared Christ at many conferences with special interest in Wesleyan hymnody and thought, and the life and spirituality of Thomas Merton. He also served in the chapel and became the second Dean of the Chapel for a period of three years. Jerry's gift was to see the good in everyone. He went out of his way to speak to others, ask how they were doing, and ask what he could do to help make their day even better. He was loved by all who knew him. Jerry's visitation and service are being held Wednesday June 22, 2022 in the chapel at Centenary United Methodist Church located at 2800 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40502. Visitation 12:30-1:30. Service 1:30-2:30. Committal and Burial 3:00 at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens located at 4915 Harrodsburg Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356. Kerr Brothers-Harrodsburg Road is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of his two favorite charities:
Northwest Haiti Christian Missions https://www.nwhcm.org/, or
Tunnel to Towers https://t2t.org/donate/