William W. Mercer

With his daughters and his dogs by his side, Wiliam Wade Mercer Jr (Bill), 70, of Middletown RI, took his final breath. He died at home on Wednesday, October 2, 2013.Born in Pawtucket, RI on September 26, 1943, he was the son of Marjorie Mercer, and the late William W. Mercer. Bill was predeceased by his wife Carole.Bill attended Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY and then went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1964. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968. While stationed at Chicksands Air Force Base, he met his future wife Carole. Bill retired as a Systems Operator from Newport Electric Corporation, where he worked for more than 30 years . He was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, and the Eureka Lodge in Portsmouth, RI.Bill is survived by his mother, Marjorie Mercer of Portsmouth RI, sister Patricia Ross and her husband David of East Greenwich, RI, his daughters Lara L. Mercer of Middletown RI, Michelle A. Mercer-Burke and her husband Paul of Narragansett, RI and Mendon, MA, his son William W. Mercer III and his wife Paula of Lubbock, Texas, and his grandchildren: Ryan Wade Mercer, Riley Jack Mercer, Phoebe Tyler Burke and Chloe Michelle Burke. He was the dear Uncle Bill of Nicola Daniels and Joanne Ward who both reside in England. He also leaves behind his most loyal companions, his dogs Frankie, Chuck and Sammie.Bill was known for his short sayings like "slowly but surely", "best ever" and "forget about it". He was a quiet yet funny man, who would make people laugh with his silly expressions, and his one-armed dance. He loved Christmas and hot weather. He hated asparagus.A graveside burial will take place on Saturday, October 5th at 12:30pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Casual attire / jeans are strongly encouraged.Calling hours are omittedIn lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lincoln Animal Shelter, 25 Wellington Road, Lincoln, RI 02865.Additional information available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com Cemetery Details St. Mary's Episcopal Churchyard 324 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, 02871 Service OCT 5. 12:30 PM St. Marys Episcopal Churchyard 324 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871