Robert Louis Mercer

Robert Louis Mercer was born to Charles Elton Mercer and Edna Irene Mercer in Kilgore, TX on January 31, 1938. Growing up in Cleveland, TX near Houston, he was raised by his maternal grandparents whom he loved and admired. After high school, he worked to put himself through college, ultimately graduating from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor’s Degree as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Working on his Uncle J.D. Lewis’ rice and cattle farm taught him a love of cattle and land that fueled many of his future endeavors. After moving to Louisiana in the late 1960’s he met the love of his life, Sharon Carver Mercer, while she was still in college and working in her parents’ restaurant. Together they embarked on a life of adventure that could only be told in a storybook. In 1977, while traveling through Missouri they bought a large farm and named it Quail Creek Ranch which operated as a cow/calf operation in the Ozark Mountains. Later he added a dairy and even milked the herd between managers. Its rugged beauty is a direct reflection of Robert’s entire existence on earth. Robert’s children and grandchildren still enjoy this farm today and it will continue to serve as a beautiful reminder of their father and grandfather. Robert and Sharon’s early life together also consisted of coming up with new business ideas while traveling and then coming home to Louisiana and turning these ideas into reality. It was a beautiful relationship and partnership that spanned over fifty years, and should be envied by all that were fortunate enough to know them. Working together, Robert and Sharon owned and operated 15 restaurants, transmission shops, and mobile home parks across Northern Louisiana. The businesses were a tremendous success and after selling out, the Mercers moved to Searcy, AR in 1987 where they started a new life. Not knowing anyone in Searcy, they melded into the community almost seamlessly. What really stood out about this period of time was the fact that Robert really made a difference in many young men’s lives. Justin’s closest friends would stop by at all times of the day to bend Robert’s ear and ask for life advice, or to simply say “hello” to him and drink a Coke. Whether he knew it or not, Robert helped shape the lives of these young men by being available to them and giving them the time to talk to him. It was perhaps at the top of his list of accomplishments. One of Robert’s most beautiful gifts, was his ability to see potential in things and people that others did not see. For instance, he could look at a piece of real estate and see the future value and best use for the property when others simply saw dirt. He could also see that potential in people. His ability to assess a human beings’ strengths and weaknesses within a few moments of meeting them was a skill that served him well and allowed him to help people that genuinely needed his help. For the past 28 years he continued to add farms and businesses in Searcy. Toughness was a word that was often-used when describing Robert. In reality, it was probably too soft of a description. Beginning with a childhood of essentially raising himself, to working day and night in a BBQ restaurant while he and his young sons, Mark and Greg, lived in the back room, to the very end when he battled cancer for three years and refused to relent, he knew nothing else but being tough. He did not know how to quit, and even if he did know how he would not have done so. Robert is preceded in death by his mother and father, Edna and Charles Mercer and his brother, Charles Mercer, Jr. He leaves behind a legacy and family that he was always proud of and will continue to make him proud. He is survived by the following family members: Sharon Mercer-Wife of fifty years Children Robert L. Mercer, II (aka “Mark”) and his wife Teresa Gregory R. Mercer and his wife Monica Justin G. Mercer and his wife Marcy Grandchildren Calon Mercer and his wife Kandice Hayden Mercer and his wife Paige Sloan E. Mercer Walker Grey Mercer Great-Grandchildren Collins Mercer Baker Mercer Crew Mercer Special Friends: Merle Otwell and Dr. Leslie Coffman The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Ryan Koch for his compassionate care. Lidia Medrano and Shaneetha Dodson were instrumental in caring for Mr. Robert during the latter part of his life. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm, at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Robert Louis Mercer

January 31, 1938 - June 11, 2025