Franklin H. Mercer

Hortense – Mr. Franklin “Frank” H. Mercer, 91, of Hortense passed away Friday evening (September 20, 2024) at his residence with his loving family by his side after an extended illness.

Mr. Frank was born in Dothan, AL towards the end of the Great Depression before moving with his family to Densmore community of Jacksonville, FL, his parents were Homer Lee Mercer and Nettie Hamilton Mercer. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Strickland Mercer; a grandson, Nathaniel Gonzales; a great granddaughter, Cadence Hope Young; 3 brothers, Fauline Mercer, Jessie Mercer and Willard Mercer; and 2 sisters, Edna Lloyd and Elma Hand.

Mr. Frank and his wife joined the Brantley County community in 1963. He was very well known throughout the community for walking around with a cigar in his mouth. After moving to South Georgia in 1963, he began his own construction business that would span almost six decades at the time of his death. In 1983 he moved his family to California. Again, he started his own business and quickly made friends and customers. The business thrived but 1991 when he took Juanita back home to Georgia for her final resting place he decided to stay in his beloved Brantley County . As always, he got right back to work and continued to do so until his health got worse in 2023. Mr. Frank loved to travel only where he could keep his feet on the ground, which expanded 3 countries and 49 U.S. States. He also loved reading, fishing, watching westerns, having coffee and socializing with friends at the Huddle House, but utmost loving the Lord and spending valuable time with family.

Survivors include 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela Gonzales (David) of Modesto, CA and Amanda “Happy” Ware (Matthew) of Los Angeles, CA; a son, Victor Mercer (Janice) of Hortense; 10 grandchildren, Eric Strickland (Barbie) of Brunswick, Megan Gonzales (Dearry), Katy Gonzales (Isaac), Alexis Gonzales (Josh), Gabriel Gonzales all of Modesto, CA, Cameron Mercer, Seth Mercer both of Hortense, Zach Young (Stephanie) of Katy, TX, Braden Ware (Genevieve) of San Diego, CA and Kayelan Ware of Hortense; 15 great grandchildren, Brooke, Lauren both of Brunswick, Jaden, Damian, Ethan, Zoey, Ayden, Melody, Addison, Ellie all of Modesto, CA, Ryder, Ryleigh of Hortense, Judah, Harper both of Katy, TX and Atticus of Hortense; his adopted family, Randy & Pat Davison of Hortense, Clayton & Trudy Johnson of Buffalo Creek, Russel Roberson and Ronald Strickland of Nahunta; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held Friday evening (October 4, 2024) from 6PM-8PM at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday afternoon (October 5, 2024) at 2PM at Frye Funeral Home with Pastor Ashton Ham officiating.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.