Richard Arnold Merrell
August 17, 1939 ~ August 20, 2016
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Richard Arnold Merrell, 77, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 at his residence.
Mr. Merrell was born in Buncombe County to the late Henry and Estelle Searcy Merrell. He was also preceded in death by seven sisters and five brothers.
Richard was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He had worked at EI Dupont as a maintenance mechanic and was a member of Grassy Branch Baptist Church. One of Richard's greatest joys was to share the love of Christ with those around him. He loved the Lord and he loved people. He was an example to us all. His love language was acts of service.
Surviving Richard are his wife, Mary "Suzie" Bishop Merrell; a son, Charles Merrell of Oldsmar, Fl; a daughter, Amanda Merrell Andrews and her husband, Kerry of Kannapolis, NC; two sisters, Patricia Stoll and Frieda Lytle and her husband, Martin and two grandchildren, Elizabeth Merrell and Matthew Andrews.
The funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Grassy Branch Baptist Church in Asheville with Reverend Ken Sausedo officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the church prior to the service.
Burial will follow the next day on Wednesday at Emma's Grove Baptist Church at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Food Pantry at Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 777 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805 or to Care Partners Hospice, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Dear Suzie, Our hearts are heavy for you but trust the Lord to see you through. Our lives were certainly enriched by knowing Richard. He was a real gem in this world. We love you!!
Susie and family, we’re so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He was a very nice neighbor. God Bless you during this difficult time.
Devastated to hear of Mr. Richards passing. I know he is rejoicing at the feet of our Lord and savior. Though I’m tearful at your loss, I’m also thankful that dad and him are reunited. We’re praying for you all.
Susie, When Doug and I remember Richard we think of his sweet gentle personality. We are so sorry for your loss!! We are praying for you, Amanda, and family during this time.
Dear Chuck, We are so sorry to hear about Richard. I think of you often. Please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
We loved Richard and know Jesus is looking after him.
Suzie, Our hearts go out to you and the family. My fondest memory of Richard was a few weeks ago at Relay For Life when he was pushing Larry in the wheelchair during the survivor lap. That was a true friend helping a friend. That was what Richard was all about. We loved him dearly and will miss him more than words can say.
Suzie I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I lost my husband over 7 years ago. I understand what you are going through. God is the only thing that will get you through this trying time. You have my deepest sympathy.
Love
I cannot believe that Richard and Gary passed away one day apart. My thoughts are for you and your family and I certainly know what you’re going through.
We love you and your family with all our hearts. We will never forget the joy that Richard brought to our lives. Found memories of his sweet smile and gentle spirit make us praise God for the moments we shared. He was so much more than a friend, he was a part of our family. Erica would often call him ‘Papa’ and he would always say ‘Hello daughter!’ Suzie, we can not say thank you enough for the way you and Richard showed us the powerful love of God through your love of our family.We rejoice that he is home with the Lord now. We can’t wait to see him again in Glory!
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF RICHARDS PASSING WHAT AN AWSOME MAN AND HE WILL BE MISSED MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN THIS GREAT TIME OF NEED
Susie, Les and I are sorry to hear of Richard’s passing! We have fond memories of him of being a friendly, kind Christian man! We are praying for you and your family!
SUZIE AND FAMILY,
MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU WITH EXTRA LOVE , PEACE , UNDERSTANDING ,STRENGTH AND WISDOM AS YOU TRAVEL THROUGH THIS TIME OF GRIEF. WE LOVE YOU AND CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE FAMILY DAILY, MAC
With heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time.
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RICHARD. PRAYERS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. WE KNOW HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE & NOT SUFFERING ANYMORE
Sorry to hear of Richard’s passing
He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. We went to Reynolds together
Suzie,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry for your loss. With love –
Suzie, you and your family will always hold a special part in my heart. Thoughts and prayers for your family . I’m here if you need a friend.
Suzie and family, we are sorry to hear about Richard, our prayers, love, and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Suzie and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Richard.
He was a fine Christian man. You are in our
Prayers and thoughts.