Dr. Mercer

Russell Johnson Mercer

May 17, 1927- April 12, 2012

-METTER- Dr. Russell Johnson Mercer, 84, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 12th, 2012. As a native of Metter, GA he held a lifelong legacy and impact on the state of Georgia. He devoted his life to ensuring that "Everything is Better in Metter" and was proud to have been raised on the Canoochee River.

As a well-known farmer's son, Mercer graduated from Metter High School in 1943 and at age 17 he enlisted as an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army's European Theater in WW2. His platoons were some of the first to liberate the Nazi concentration camps and later he served as a guard in the Nuremburg Trials. An elite honor he cherished was being invited to dinner by the King of Denmark and as well as a special recognition for his bravery in the war. Upon returning to the states he earned his Bachelor's degree at Georgia Southern College in 1950 and his Master's degree from Appalachian State in 1955, where he met his wife, Ramona Bagwell of Asheville, NC. They married on Christmas Day in 1952. Later he achieved his LL.B. and J.D. in Law from Atlanta Law School and John Marshall University, respectively.

From farmer to politician he aimed to combat negative policy-making as he served as Georgia State Senator of the 49th district. He held other prestigious titles such as National Board Chairman and the first state President of the Future Business Leaders of America/Phi Beta Lambda Student Organization, Chairman of the Candler County Commissioners, Junior Chamber of Commerce President, District Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Chairman of the Committee of Nine, President of the Georgia Huguenot Society and too many others to name. He was the Citizen of the Year for Candler County in 1989. As Chairman of the Commissioners of Candler County, he led the way for Candler County projects including the construction of the National Guard Armory, collaborated with Isabelle Sawyer on the L.C. Anderson Library, the Community and Recreational Parks in Metter, as well as many road pavings and more.

As a retired educator, he devoted his life to bettering the education of the present and the future. He began his career as a business teacher, later served as a principal and headmaster, liaison between the national government and education at the U.S. Capitol and was the Supervisor of Business & Education at the GA State Department of Education. He served as a visiting professor to Georgia State University and University of Colorado. The policies that he implemented and supported at the state level molded the foundation and have shaped the future of education in the state of Georgia. He was also a Bank Vice President, Real Estate Broker, 4-H and Boy Scout Mentor, farmer, church Deacon and Sunday School Instructor for over 50 years.

More than his professional career is the legacy he left to his family and friends. He is remembered best for how he cared for his wife who has survived two cancers. The example of complete giving he has set will be carried on for generations. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ramona Mercer, daughters Julia Dawn Mercer & Janie (Cleveland) Slater, sons Major Charles (Helen) Mercer & Seaborn Dan (Dr. Alicia) Mercer, and 7 grandchildren: Russell (Karen) Vandiver, 2LT Stephen Mercer, Ramona Evans, Seaborn & Jack Mercer, Carolina & Joseph Slater and 1 great granddaughter, Ivy Vandiver. He is also survived by one sister, Laura Crockett, as well as many beloved extended family members.

Everyone is invited to join in remembrance and celebration of the life of Dr. Russell J. Mercer Sunday April 15th at 4:00 p.m. at the Hamstra Worship Center at Guido Gardens, 600 N Lewis St. Metter, GA 30349. The burial will be at the Primitive Grove Church Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Saturday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kennedy-Morgan-Brannen Funeral Homes, Metter Chapel. www.kennedymorganbrannen.com