William (Bill) Thompson Mercer passed away surrounded by his family on December 1, 2015 at the age of 84. His soul was peacefully released from its worn out shell and he is currently out riding horses, playing golf and exploring the universe with the family and friends he had not seen in far too long.
William was born on December 26, 1931 to Arthur and Maria Mercer and was brother to Isabel Ruth and Mary Lou Mercer. William served in The United States Army before joining the Douglas Water Department as a ditch digger at the age of 22. At the time of his retirement in 1990, Bill had tirelessly served the Douglas community as Superintendent of the Water Department for 38 years. Bill was married to the love of his life, Clarissa, in 1956 and shared their love for 58 years. He was devoted to her for 21,170 days of his life. Their love and faith to each other is an example to not only their children and grandchildren but to all who knew them. A love that most hope for but rarely achieve. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Clarissa, his daughter Debra and her husband Jess Martinez, his eldest son William Mercer Jr. and his wife Diva, his middle son Walter Mercer and wife Ana and his youngest son Rene and his wife Roseann. He was blessed with nine grandchildren; Michelle and Jacob Martinez, Aileen Pedrego (Mercer) and her husband Cesar and Divita Mercer, Andre, Alexis and Alexandria Mercer and Allison and Eric Mercer. The apple of his eye was Cesarito Pedrego his first and only great-grandson. It was impossible for Bill to speak about his children and grandkids without glowing with pride and a smile on his face. The pain, loss and heartbreak felt by those survived by Bill is a testament to the love he always gave. He was proud to be a father and even more proud to be a grandfather. His love will stand the test of time as will the lessons he taught and the highest of expectations he held. He taught his sons and grandsons to be honorable men and his daughter and granddaughters to expect nothing but love and fealty. Bill believed in integrity, honor and brutal honestly. The sole exception being the fact that he denied being a fan of telenovelas which he swore he watched only for his wife. Bill could always be found wearing a shirt with a front pocket, a book in his hand and his Yorkie, Rocky snuggled on his lap. He knew no stranger, would speak to anyone and made friends everywhere. There was not a shy bone in his body but rather every bone was filled with force, a fierce dignity and most importantly love. Cancer, broken bones, removed ribs, kidney surgery and back pain were not strong enough to make a complaint cross his lips. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of power to his family. He encouraged us to be our best selves and always led by his example. People always speak about great men, write books about them but he showed us. Bill was a gentleman and fighter and never met a cookie, pie or ice cream cone he didn't like. In his honor, truly taste and appreciate life and feel free to get it all over your shirt. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Church, 928 C Ave. Douglas, AZ, 85607. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated following the Rosary at 11:00 am with Father Arnoldo Noriega officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion and VFW.