Theodore C Mercer Jr.

Theodore "Ted" C. Mercer, Jr., age 75, died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Chicago on August 4, 2022.
The son of Theodore C. Mercer, Sr., and Alice Moore Mercer, he was born in Chattanooga, TN on December 27, 1946. He graduated from Rhea Central High School and received a B.A. in history from Bryan College (both in Dayton, TN). After moving to Chicago in 1973, he earned an MBA at the University of Chicago and founded Cityscape Real Estate, where he was broker until his death.
While still in high school, Ted won the title of Tennessee Junior (under age 18) Chess Champion. He continued to play chess throughout his life, occasionally playing in tournaments across the country and abroad.
Ted was an insatiable reader, collecting thousands of books, and world traveler, visiting many countries in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. His knowledge of world history and geography was encyclopedic.
Ted's great passion was Sacred Harp singing, which he discovered 40 years ago at a gathering at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Over the years he attended thousands of singings in North America and Europe, serving as singer, organizer, promoter, teacher, and published composer. "I find it really exhilarating," he said of Sacred Harp music in a 2019 article. "The harmony is very refreshing. Generally not sweet, a little acid in there. There are a lot of songs in the minor key. It really just suits me."
Ted is survived by two brothers, John Mercer of Asheville, NC and David Mercer (and wife Gwen) of Houghton, NY; two longtime housemates, Lee Beaty and Erick Alexeyev; and a host of Sacred Harp singers whose lives he touched. All who knew him will miss his passion, knowledge, kindness, and generosity.
Ted was a dog lover who rescued many dogs over the years. He leaves behind his beloved black lab Comet.
To celebrate Ted's life, a memorial Sacred Harp singing will be held in Chicago on Saturday, October 15 at Kilbourn Park Fieldhouse, 3501 N. Kilbourn, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served. Unlike the practice at most Sacred Harp events, attendees should not bring potluck food contributions.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care - 4880 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, for Information 773-318-1305 or russ@inclusivefuneralcare.com. Donations in Ted's memory may be made to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods (Deerfield), IL 60015, or to Chicago Sacred Harp Singers, 4868 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640.