Deacon Mercer General McGuire

Deacon Mercer General McGuire of Decatur, Georgia passed away on October 3, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lithonia, Georgia on October 16, 1944 to the late Virgle and Viola McGuire. He was the youngest of nine siblings. He attended Bruce Street High School in the DeKalb County School System. He married the love of his life, Betty Ann Davis at a young age. Her brother introduced them. Mercer and Betty Ann became the proud parents of four children - Paula, Valissa, Mercer, and Pamela. They celebrated fifty years of holy matrimony on August 24, 2013. Mercer was hired by Philip 66 at age 19 and worked until he lost his vision in 1969. He then became employed as a vendor with Georgia Co-op for the Blind where he worked for over 39 years. He operated vending businesses at Fort McPherson, the Atlanta Junior College, the U.S. Immigration Office, and several Executive Parks throughout the metropolitan area. He joined Big Miller Grove Baptist Church as a young adult. He was an ordained Deacon and later became an Honorary Deacon after his health declined. He served on the Trustee Board, Chaired the Kitchen Ministry, and was the President of the former #2 Usher Board for several years. In spite of his visual impairment, Mercer was active in the community and was a repeat participant in the March of Dimes Walk. He was an unofficial founder of the international recording trio, D'Vine, in which he encouraged his daughters to form their own singing group. He enjoyed providing for his family and sharing his wisdom and advice intertwined with that of his mentors, WSB's Clark Howard and financial guru, Dave Ramsey. He was preceded in death by his parents - Virgle and Viola, siblings ñ Betty Lou McGuire, James McGuire, Catherine Durden, Lynward McGuire, and Darthula Stanfield, and his son-in-law, Eddie Saunders III. Mercer will be missed by his wife - Betty Ann Davis McGuire; his children - Paula McGuire Saunders, Valissa Ann Asbey, Mercer McGuire (Betty), and Pamela McGuire Deas (Dr. Brian Deas); grandchildren - Marcus McGuire, Gregory Asbey, Crystal Deas, Khalil McGuire, Trayvon Williams, and Justin McGuire-Forbes; great-grandchildren - Zyhmir and Zh'khi McGuire; Sister, Pearl Thornton; Brothers ñ Marvin McGuire (Barbara); Deacon Allen McGuire (Anna Mary); Godsons - Elder Eric Parks and Raymond Sallis; and many family members and friends. His homegoing service and life tribute will be held at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 11:30AM. Bishop Miles E. Fowler will officiate. There will be a viewing on Friday, October 11, 2013 from 12:00PM-8:00PM at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home South DeKalb Chapel - 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA. Interment at Albert-McGuire Cemetery on Giles Road in Lithonia, GA following the service. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to The McGuire Saunders Education Scholarship Fund. Make checks payable to Big Miller Grove Baptist Church ñ 3800 Big Miller Grove Way Lithonia, GA 30038.

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Deacon Mercer General McGuire

October 16, 1944 - October 3, 2013