Bruce Lewie Merchant, Sr. died March 11, 2015 in Agape Hospice Home, Columbia, SC, the day after his 98th birthday, following a short time of declining health.

Lewie was a kind man with an infectious laugh. He loved his God, his family, and his friends. "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

Born March 10, 1917 to Ben Lewis and Mary Allene Corley Merchant, Lewie grew up in a large farm family in Saluda, SC and graduated from Saluda High School. He served in the US Army during World War II, primarily in the South Pacific. At the war's conclusion, Lewie settled in West Columbia with his wife, Mary Lucretia Pow Merchant where they raised their two children, He worked with automotive parts most of his career, retiring from the SC Highway Department in 1982. Following Mary Lou's death in 1991, Lewie married Frances Stephens Crouch and relocated to Saluda, where he lived until entering Agape Assisted Living, West Columbia last year.

He was a charter member of two Cayce Baptist churches: Holland Avenue and Trinity. Recently, he was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Saluda. He served faithfully as Sunday School teacher, deacon and church treasurer.

Lewie was predeceased by both wives: Mary Lou, to whom he was married for 53 years; and Frances, to whom he was married for 21 years. He was also predeceased by his parents, brothers Darryl, Guy, Smith and Julius Merchant and sisters Rosalie Merchant Conner and Viola Merchant Langford.

He is survived by his sister: Mabel Merchant Hinson, Rock Hill, SC; daughter: Lucretia Elaine Merchant Jeffcoat (Robert), Durham, NC; and son: Bruce Lewie Merchant, Jr. (Carol), West Columbia. He is also survived by grandchildren: Karen Jeffcoat Hudson (Chad), Richmond, VA; Lew Merchant (Allison), West Columbia; and Catherine Merchant VanCleave (Neil), Leesville, SC.; great-grandchildren: Jesse, Colin and Zeke Hudson and Tradd, Abigail and Taylor Merchant; and by more than 30 nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Saluda. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the JN DeLoache Sunday School Class or at the committal . Burial will follow at Southland Memorial Gardens, West Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Agape Foundation , 1053 Center St, West Columbia, SC 29169 or to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 102 East Butler Ave, Saluda, SC 29138.

The family expresses particular appreciation for the loving care and attention given by the staff at both Agape Senior of West Columbia and Agape Hospice of Columbia.