Starling Mercer

Mr. Marion Starling Mercer, age 69, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, at his residence in Axson, following a brief illness. An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, grilling, and team roping, Mr. Mercer was widely known for his generous spirit, strong work ethic, and genuine personality. When he wasn’t reading in his favorite chair at home, he was following University of Texas football or watching an old western movie or show on television. Mr. Mercer’s strong presence in his family, community, and church will be greatly missed.

Mr. Mercer was born in Douglas, Georgia, on February 12, 1952, to the late John Willis “Joe” Mercer and Gladys Mullis Mercer. He graduated from Atkinson County High School in 1970 and worked for Georgia Pacific for 20 years before completing farrier school and starting his own horseshoeing business. Mr. Mercer was a member of Stokesville Baptist Church where he proudly served as Chairman of Deacons. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Willis Mercer, III.

Mr. Mercer is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Hilda Haskins Mercer; two daughters, Tish Oaks, and husband Justin, of Middleburg, Florida; and Lindsey Lane, and husband Will, of Pearson; and three precious grandchildren: Lily Oaks, Mesa Lane, and Memphis Lane.

Graveside funeral services for Mr. Mercer were held Monday, March 1, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Stokesville Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Kevin Bounds officiating and family friend, Shea Browning, delivering the eulogy. A special musical selection, “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You,” was rendered a capella by Lindsey Lane, and a heartfelt message was written and delivered by Lily Oaks in memory of her amazing Papa.

Serving as active pallbearers were: Michael Brown, Burley Davis, Raymond Gay, Ronnie Kennedy, Micah Lightsey, Parker Liles, Wesley Popwell, and Wade Tanner.

Honorary pallbearers included: Keith Allen, Kenneth Allen, Kevin Allen, Kareth Allen, Charlie Bray, Buddy Brown, Charles “Buddy” Browning, Morris Browning, Randy Browning, John Bryant, Mann Corbitt, George Gillis, Michael Godwin, Phil Liles, Dwain McClellan, Henry Moore, Terry Palmer, Mike Pierce, Bill Thombs, Stanley Wall, and William White.

Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Georgia was in charge of the arrangements.