John Mercer

John Olin Mercer, 76, was delivered from his battle with cancer, passing quietly while surrounded by his loving family on June 2, 2015. He was born on September 17, 1938 to Russell Reed and Nell Smith Mercer in Newport News, Virginia. John graduated from Warwick High School in 1956 and from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Apprentice School in 1961. John graduated from Rappahannock Community College with a certificate in Religious Studies, a program that he was instrumental in starting, and also attended the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Newport News. He was ordained as a Minister by Harmony Grove Baptist Church, and founded Campground Ministries Inc., where he served as the first Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. He also served as the audio technician for the Good News Gospel Sing Board and Harmony Grove Gospel Singers. He is remembered as one who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and spreading the word of God. His family includes his wife of fifty four years, Mary; son, John Olin Mercer, Jr. and wife, Lorrie; daughter, Audra Mercer Willett and fiancé, Carroll “Chuck” Shipp, III; daughter, Gloria Christy Mercer and fiancé, Jonathan Torr; three grandchildren, Taryn Willett, Taylor Belverio, and Emily Mercer; two great-grandchildren, Jaycie Belverio and Liam Brock; sister, Martha Ann Johnston and her husband, Don; one brother, Melvin Reed Mercer, (now deceased) and sister-in-law, Lillian Mercer; as well as many nephews and nieces. A funeral service will be held at Harmony Grove Baptist Church on June 6, 2015 at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations payable to Harmony Grove Baptist Church.