Mr. Walter "Davies" Merry IV

Walter Davies Merry,IV, 51, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31. Born in Columbia,SC he was the son of Dr. Richard Earl Umbach and Mrs. Susan Milliken Umbach; and Mrs. Beverly Black Merry and the late Walter Davies Merry, III of Easley,SC.
Davies will be remembered for his positive outlook on life and his ability to genuinely connect with others. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him always felt a sense of belonging in his presence. He was kind, thoughtful, inclusive, and hardworking, all attributes that defined both his personal life and professional course.
Attending Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Davies made lifelong friends. From the athletic field to the stage, Davies stood out as a natural talent. Whether catching a touchdown pass or starring as Danny Zuko in the production of Grease, his zest for life was ever present in his pursuits. He graduated from Hyde School in Bath, Maine, in 1992, following yet another calling to discover his unique potential.
Davies attended Coastal Carolina University, where he made additional friends for life. One of his favorite accomplishments was completion of the Navigation and Seamanship course, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of the coast and intercoastal waters. Another favorite pastime was serving as a member of the Coastal Water Ski Team, where he found joy competing on sunny days with speed and ease.
As a career professional in the service industry, Davies' love for people and his work ethic contributed to his success. He spent the last thirteen years as a valuable team member and manager for Southern Industries Home Improvements, llc. The Company's values of integrity, respect, and care for others aligned with his own, and he considered his team an extended family. Davies recently achieved the professional goal of being selected as opening manager for the Myrtle Beach office and relocating to Murrells Inlet with the love of his life, his wife Theresa.
Davies enjoyed life to the fullest with Theresa, by his side. They enjoyed cooking, shelling, yoga, sunrises and sunsets, celebrating holidays, and special occasions with family and friends and taking impromptu adventures nationwide to discover the next best culinary hideaway or cool site to see. Together they vowed to focus on being grateful and relishing the simple joys of life, a mantra that will continue to serve as an example to family and friends.
Davies was a loving and dedicated father to Bayden and Brooke, whom he adored. From planning annual family adventures to early morning shelling outings and attending Clemson football games, he loved to spend quality time with his children. Back in the day he could often be spotted driving up I-26 with a life-sized tiger stuffed animal mounted to the roof of his car.
Davies loved his friends and enjoyed long nights of playing Poker and competing in Fantasy Football with them through the years. He was always up for a visit and keen on keeping in touch, often through humorous banter, memes, or reels in an effort to stay connected and remind others to live lightheartedly.
He was affectionately known as "Funkle Davies" (the Fun Uncle) to many nieces and nephews for his animated storytelling and adventurous spirit. From telling tall tales of the "spooky spillway" at the family cabin on Woodcreek Lake, to startling unsuspecting hunters during nighttime ghost crab excursions, Funcle Davies was the ringleader of all things fun.
Surviving are his wife, Theresa Hurt Merry of Murrells Inlet; children Bayden and Brooke of Columbia; parents Susan and Rick Umbach of Columbia and Beverly Merry of Easley; Sisters Nan Sammataro (Sam), Grace Merry and SuSu Barden; brother Will Umbach (Jessica) all of Columbia; brother Alex Umbach of Charlotte, NC; stepsisters Jennifer Nicholson (Scott) and Jessica Thompson (Derrick) of Easley, brother-in-law Chris Hurt (Kate) of Irmo; and Scott Hinkle (Debbie) of Lexington; nieces and nephews Lucy Mills, Will, SuSu, Hayes, Carter, Smith, Coco, Lizzie, Stiles, Evan, Emery, Drew, and Dawson, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins with whom he was close to and whom will miss him dearly.
A visitation will be held from 4pm-6pm on Tuesday, November 4, at his childhood home, 4819 Kilbourne Road.
A service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, followed by a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Southern Industries Home Improvement, llc with 'Habitat for Humanity-Davies Merry Memorial' in the memo or by visiting the square site (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLYZQ4CT61AJZ/checkout/QXLILV3VKVUV3AOBGELEUR7E)
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Extension, is assisting the family.