Obituary of Craig Thomas Mercer

Craig Thomas Mercer, 63, of Cold Springs, passed away early Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Cumberland Medical Center. He was born in Ohio, October 3, 1957. He was preceded in death by his sister, Renee Holbert. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita Mercer; parents, Jesse Levon (father) and Sandy Mercer and Ruthie Vaughan (mother) and Bob Scearce; children, Jennifer (David) Conley, Cindy (Roy) Daniels and Josh (Holly) Mercer; grandchildren, Aidan, Brendan, Keira Conley, Tyler Browning, Kayla Daniels, Braxton Richardson and Barrett Mercer; siblings, Tina Mercer Brown, Marla Rogers, Sonya (Harold) Blaire, Aaron (Jennifer) Mercer, Levon Mercer, Carmen (Jason) Shaw and Daniel Mercer. His humble beginnings taught him the meaning of hard work, helping each other, being truthful and the ability to find humor wherever he landed. He worked hard for his family and all he had. He never passed opportunities to help others, from hauling his siblings around to being a volunteer fire fighter for over 20 years, final rank Captain, being a DJ for parties and car shows and donating time to local charities. He was also a county commissioner in Bledsoe County for 19 years. Anyone who crossed his path was subjected to his jabber, harassment, pestering and joking; but, you were also shown his attention, kindness, assistance and love. He always tried to make a difference. Kids gravitated towards Craig because he was a big kid himself. He loved to entertain and bring laughter to everyone around him. He was always joking, dancing and being a clown. From taking rides on tractors, jumping hills in ATV’s, mudding, building zip lines for the kids in his back field, to teaching them to fish, play poker and other bad habits that we all tried to keep them from. Craig was right there making sure they would experience all the fun times and habits in life that kids love to do. After retiring from EPB he enjoyed his mustang, working on his farm, collecting coins, bowling, bowling, bowling, talking, talking and talking. There will be an empty space in our lives and a silence to our ears that we will never get used to without him near. We will always carry a smile in our hearts of the time we had with this wonderful man and we will keep his memory alive with our kids by following his example of devotion, love and attention to those we spend our lives around. Graveside services will be held Sunday, June 6, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. CDT at Simmons Cemetery off 127 in Cold Springs for family and friends followed by fellowship at Cold Springs Community Center. Burial will be in Simmons Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville, TN.