January 7, 1935 - February 21, 2020
    Mr. Douglas Glenn Mercer, Sr, age 85, resident of Washington, died February 21, 2020 after a nearly thirty year battle with chronic leukemia.

    Mr. Mercer was born on January 7, 1935 to the late Ernest Lee Mercer and Vivian Ward Mercer. On August 8, 1965 he married Lois Ann Harris who he loved unconditionally for 55 years. Mr. Mercer loved the City of Washington and served on the Planning Board and City Council for nearly twenty years as one of the few honest politicians. He was a dedicated protector of tax payer monies and lead by decorum. In Mr. Mercer also served for 28 years as a volunteer fireman with Washington Fire Department Volunteer Motor Company, of which his son Douglas Mercer, Jr. was also a member.

    Following graduation from East Carolina College in 1961, Mr. Mercer taught Math, Science, and Chemistry at Bath High School for eleven years before retaining employment at Texas Gulf where he retired after nearly thirty years. He acted as a pioneer in environmental protection, phosphate mining, and land reclamation. He traveled often in that capacity and was revered for his environmental enthusiasm by past Governors, and sitting Presidents, including Carter, Reagan, and Bush.

    Mr. Mercer was baptized alongside his children, Glenn and Stephanie, at First Christian Church where he lovingly and dutifully served as Deacon, Elder, and Scout Master (silver beaver award) of Boy Scout Troop 21. His persistence, discipline and teachings inspired his son to attain the rank of Eagle Scout at age seventeen. Mr. Mercer loved our Lord always.

    Mr. Mercer told you how it was and did not mince words as well as anyone during budget season. He was a factual man and if you did not have the facts you would not get far. He was rarely quick to anger.

    It was very impressive and honoring to watch a large team of compassionate medical professionals strive to prolong Mr. Mercer's life. Sadly, all the king's men and women (medical experts) and all the king's horses (medical procedures) could not put Mr. Mercer back together again. He was a fighter until the end, and will be missed by many.

    Mr. Mercer was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Lee Mercer and mother, Vivian Ward Mercer. Mr. Mercer is survived by his wife, Lois Harris Mercer, two children, Douglas Glenn Mercer, Jr. and Joan Mackey, Stephanie Mercer Ingalls and husband Larry, granddaughter, Carmen Mercer Woolard and husband Justin, all of Washington; four grandchildren, Aaron Mercer, Sierra Mercer, Reid Lassiter, Ava Ingalls; three great grandchildren, Vivian Woolard, Wyatt Woolard, Alayna Lassiter; and two brothers, Edward Mercer and wife Janet of Washington, and Ward Mercer and wife Lynn of Tampa, FL.

    The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Tuesday February 25, 2020 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory.

    A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at First Christian Church, officiated by Dr. Robert Cayton. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Aaron Mercer, Reid Lassiter, Larry Ingalls, Justin Woolard, Jim Lamb, and Peter Mercer. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Roberson, Joe Taylor, and Shawn Mercer.

    Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, c/o General Fund, 1209 Brown Street, Washington, NC 27889.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Mercer family.

Services

Visitation

Tuesday, February 25 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Paul Funeral Home & Crematory 900 John Small Ave. Washington, NC 27889

Funeral Service

Wednesday, February 26 2:00 PM First Christian Church-Washington 307 East 3rd Street Washington, NC 27889