W.D. "Buddy" Mercer

W.D. “Buddy” Mercer, 85, of Moultrie, passed away at Langdale Hospice House on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home, with Pastor Steve Scarrow and Pastor John Eubanks officiating. The burial will be at Baker/Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Andrew Parker, Austin Mercer, Brice Mercer, Lark Mercer, James Mercer, Blake Williams, Bo Williams, and Seth Williams will serve as pallbearers. T.J. Williams will be the honorary pallbearer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Born on June 25, 1939, in Telfair County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Dewey Schley Mercer, Sr., and Mary Lucille Warnock Mercer Taylor. 

Born with a heart of service, Buddy began working as a young adolescent to help care for his mother, brothers, and sisters. From those early years, he demonstrated a commitment to providing for those he loved, a devotion that never wavered. Through honesty and integrity, Buddy built his business, Mercer Motors, from the ground up. 

Buddy was an incredible provider, but his contributions extended far beyond his immediate family. His generosity knew no bounds, and he made countless donations to the community around him, always striving to make the world a better place for others. His compassion for those in need was matched only by the strength of his character.

Buddy's life was built on a foundation of fierce love—for his “Joycey” and their family, his cars, and his guitars—but above all, his love for Jesus Christ was paramount. His faith guided every step he took, and he shared the love of the Lord through every action, word, and song. He was a mighty prayer warrior. He found great happiness in playing guitar and singing special music at Friendship Alliance Church, sharing his gift and faith with those around him. His musical talent was undeniable. He even wrote and recorded his own songs, including records which were featured in jukeboxes and music stores around the country.

As a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Buddy’s influence was profound. His dedication to his family was evident in every decision he made. He shared his musical gifts, his love for the Lord, and his hardworking spirit with those who were blessed to be part of his life. His legacy will continue to live on in his children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was a devoted husband to Joyce Davidson Mercer, with whom he shared almost 65 wonderful years of marriage. He was a proud father to his seven children and a beloved grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. His love and guidance left a lasting impact on each of them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Mercer Merritt; and siblings, June Mercer Cole, Robert Mercer, Dewey Mercer, Jr., Helen Fricks, and Jack Taylor.

Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Davidson Mercer of Moultrie; children: Tami Love and husband Winsel of Valdosta, Donald Mercer and Stephanie Sellers, Michael Mercer and wife Lynn, Victor Mercer and wife Gina, Regina Mercer Ward, and Saundra Whidby and husband Scott, all of Moultrie; grandchildren, Melissa Shields (Brent), Brooklyn Key (Travis), Nickie Love McMillan, Andrew Parker (Xu) Austin Mercer, Ava Mercer, Brice Mercer (Siria), Lark Mercer, Lakin Mercer, Kari Mercer, James Mercer, Blake Williams (Anna), Bo Williams (Rachel), Seth Williams (Deanna), Auburn Williams, T.J. Williams, Elyssa Tompkins (Jacob), Emily Rogers (Chris), and Elli Reddick (Dax); great grandchildren, Brayden Shields, Trevyn Shields, Colsyn Shields, Abram Key, Titus Key, Essie Key, Murphy McMillan, Lollie McMillan, Bear McMillan, Jonah Parker, Finnly Mercer, Jacobi Williams, Jenson Williams, Jagger Williams, Elizabeth Jade Williams, Henry Williams, Miles Williams, Elias Kissoonlal, and Kodi Williams; and siblings, Danny Mercer of Florida, Edward Mercer of North Carolina, Mike Taylor of Florida, and Mary Taylor Blevins of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Buddy Mercer leaves behind a legacy of family and community that is stronger for having known his love and care. While he may no longer walk among us, his influence, his music, and his faith will resonate for generations to come. May his soul rest in the peace of the Lord that he so lovingly served, and may his memory bless all those who remain.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.