Raymond L. Mercer

At 16 years old, Ray followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and joined the Mannington Volunteer Fire Department. He was proud to carry on the family tradition as the third generation. He was also was a member of the Mannington Moose Lodge #1344 and a previous member of the Mannington Elks. He belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Mannington.

Ray was previously employed by Backwoods ENT LLC, Consol Energy-Bailey Mine and Coastal Drilling.

Ray LOVED traveling to Parsons for the four-wheel drive races, decorating the back glass of his truck with stickers and making corn on the cob for family and friends. He collected hats and was never seen without one. He enjoyed building and collecting model cars.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Tamela Secreto-Mercer whom he married on August 21, 2004; his mother, Karen; his mother-in-law Barbara Handley; his sisters and their spouses, Beverly and Israel VanScyoc and Sandra and Michael Parenti; brother and sister in-law John Secreto and Johnna Secreto; nieces, nephews and grands, Levi and Emily (Kelsey, Jameson and Audrey) VanScyoc; Hammer and Alyssa VanScyoc; Madeline VanScyoc and Jason Brummage (Hudson); and Nikki and Gary Stevens (Heaven and Tyler). He is also survived by his aunts Rose Mercer Williams, Betty Mercer Potoczny, Leslie Stanley Plants, Becki Plants Minger and Lana Plants Conrad (Randy). He is also survived by several cousins and his life-long best friend Jeff Price.

He was preceded in death by his dad Raymond Mercer; father-in-law John Secreto; grandparents Edgar "Mutt" and Ruth Mercer, Madeline and Elmo Plants and Russell Prowant; uncles Joe Potoczny, David Plants and Al Williams; and great-nephew, Waylon VanScyoc.

A celebration of life will be held at East High United Methodist Church in Mannington on Sunday, February 9 at 2 pm. Ray's final resting place will honor his wishes to be buried on his family farm. His ashes will be buried by his "secret" ramp patch on States Fork Road in Metz.