Thomas Eugene Mercer

Thomas Eugene "Gene" Mercer, 89, of Stallings, departed this life on June 28, 2023. A native of Robeson County and lifelong educator, he is survived by his wife, Alease Formyduval Mercer; daughters Marianne Mercer (S. Rew) of Stallings and Miragene Mercer Lever (James) of Seneca, SC; grandson Jordan Booth (LeAnna) of Columbia, SC; granddaughter Jamie Lever of Seneca, SC; goddaughter Patricia Rouse Trujillo of Fayetteville, and several nieces and nephews. Born to Nash Adams Mercer and Mary Lillian Young, Gene was the youngest of 13 children. He grew up in the Howellsville area of Robeson County, where he attended Barker Ten Mile School, and was a lifelong member of Regan United Methodist Church. Gene spent his high school years in Wilmington and was a graduate of New Hanover High School. He attended Louisburg College, then volunteered for the draft and served honorably in the U.S. Army for two years.After returning to civilian life, Gene obtained a bachelor's degree from Pembroke College (UNC-Pembroke) and began teaching at Guideway School in Columbus County. There, he met his wife, Alease, and they were happily married for 64 years. Gene continued his education at East Carolina University and his career in K-12 as a teacher at Kelly Elementary School and Bladenboro High School and as principal of White Oak School in Bladen County before transitioning to the North Carolina Community College system. He served in various administrative roles at Cape Fear Community College, Montgomery Community College, and Robeson Community College before retiring. After his retirement, he returned to K-12 as a counselor at Loris Middle School in Horry County, SC for several years. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 11:00AM at Holland Funeral and Crematory Service, 806 Circle Drive, Monroe. The family wishes to express gratitude to VIA Health Partners and Hospice of Union County for their support and encourages anyone who would like to make a contribution in Gene's name to donate to their local hospice. Holland Funeral Service is serving the Mercer family.