Thomas Ray Merchant, Sr, 87, died Friday, February 21, 2014 at Self Regional Medical Center.

Born in Saluda County and a son of the late Robert Lee and Connie Clyde Crouch Merchant, he was the husband of the late Lula Lavinia "Fran" Parris Merchant. Mr. Merchant was a self employed Paint Contractor and retired at 80 years of age. He was a member of the Eastern Star, a 60 year Mason and Past Worshipful Master with Travis Lodge #241 and was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Thomas Ray Merchant, Jr. of Saluda and Thomas Ray Merchant, III of Lexington, two daughters, Barbara M. (Eddie) Covington of Greenwood and Connie M. Fillingim of Savannah, GA, two brothers, Clyde T. Merchant of Saluda and Gamewell Merchant of Saluda, three sisters, Connie M. Owings of Saluda, B J Dorn of Greenwood and Bobbie M. Crouch of Saluda, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Mr. Merchant was preceded in death by two brothers, John C. Merchant and Edwin Merchant and two sisters, Lillie Gunter and Sophie Fortner.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8 pm, Saturday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Sunday, February 23, 2014 at Shiloh United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Parris officiating. Interment with Masonic rights will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Shiloh United Methodist Church, c/o Mickey or Minnie Crook, 1053 Chappells Hwy., Saluda, SC 29138.