Gene Maddox Merchant

Gene Maddox Merchant, 69, of Ranson, passed away Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at his home.

Born March 22, 1947, in Uvilla, he was the son of the late Oliver Phillipps Merchant and Mary Belle Maddox Merchant.

Gene graduated from Harpers Ferry High School, class of 1966 and earned his B.A. at Shepherd University.

He worked for Dixie Narco Corp., Royal Vendors and recently at the Charles Town Race Track food court.

He was an avid Redskin fan, collected Coca Cola items, loved cats, angels and cookies.

His favorite Bible verse was the 23rd Psalm. He was a past certified lay speaker for the United Methodist Church, past member of the Sons Confederate Veterans and the Odd Fellows.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Debra Kay “Debbie” Burkett Merchant; three sisters, Agnes “Ginger” Shriver and husband, Ray, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Mary “Polly” Wharton and Sue Ann Kesecker, both of Ranson; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Oliver “Bubby” Merchant Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today, at Jefferson Chapel with the Pastor Raymond H. Shriver officiating. Interment will be in the Pleasant View Memory Gardens.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.