John Quincy Merchant

Mr. John Quincy "Pete" Merchant age 69 of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. following an extended illness. Born September 12, 1944 in Atkinson County, Mr. Merchant was the son of Jesse and Lavada Moore Merchant. He worked for many years at Elixer Industries in Douglas, Ga. and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Willacoochee, Ga.. Survivors include: Wife: Avie Nell Wilkerson Merchant of Willacoochee, Ga. 4 Sons: Bobby Merchant of Cedartown, Ga. Jason Merchant and wife Jennifer of Stone Mountain, Ga. Michael Harper and wife Lynn of Willacoochee, Ga. David Harper of Homerville, Ga. 1 Brother: Glenn Merchant of Willacoochee, Ga. 1 Sister: Lucille Lott of Douglas, Ga. 7 Grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandchild and several Nieces and Nephews also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Merchant were held at 11:00 A. M. Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Willacoochee First Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Huffstuttler officiating. Special musical selections included "Beulah Land" rendered by the Church Choir with Bonnie Kunberger at the piano. "I Can Only Imagine" presented by CD, "Serenaded by Angels" rendered by Pam Huffstuttler with CD accompaniment and "Amazing Grace" rendered by the Church Choir and the congregation with Bonnie Kunberger at the piano. Soft music for the Prelude and the Postlude was played by Bonnie Kunberger pianist. The interment followed in Mora Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers were: Bobby Merchant, Donnie Lee Stone, James Harper, Mark Gray, William Shawn Smith and Arron Deloach.