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Gary Mercer Obituary
August 16, 1945 - May 16, 2025
Clemmons, North Carolina - Gary Allen Mercer passed beyond our sight and hearing in Clemmons, North Carolina on Friday, May 16, 2025. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judith Carolyn Stephenson Mercer. His son Gary "Allen" Mercer, Jr. (Christine), his daughter Shannon Settlemire (Dave) and five grandchildren Justin Mercer, Julia Settlemire, Audrey Mercer Mumpower (Josh), Laurel Settlemire and David Settlemire, his brothers, Dennis Kirkland Mercer (Anne) and Linwood Thomas Mercer, Jr. (Karen) and their families. Gary and Judy were married for fifty-one years.
He was born on August 16th, 1945 to Linwood Thomas Mercer and Marjorie Elaine Lewis Mercer in Wilson, North Carolina. The family eventually moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina, where Gary graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1963 and served as senior class president and was active in multiple sports and clubs.
Gary graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1967. He was a lifelong Tarheel fan. Gary served in the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps National Guard.
Gary had a deep love for the coastal area of North Carolina, and lived there most of his life.
Gary was a successful Homebuilder and businessman in his community, believing strongly in the need for affordable housing in the state of North Carolina. He worked tirelessly with the NC Homebuilders Association and the National Homebuilders Association for many years.
Often an anonymous donor, Gary supported many organizations in his community, including The Boys' and Girls' Club of Beaufort, NC and The Rotary Club.
A man of deep faith, Gary was a member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Beaufort, North Carolina where he was a member of the men's Sunday School class, the Usher Team and the Vestry. When living in Jacksonville, North Carolina, he was a member of Saint Anne's Episcopal Church, and served in various lay leadership roles including the vestry.
Please join us in celebrating Gary's life on Saturday, May 31st at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Beaufort, NC at 11 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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