Jesse Filmore Merchant Sr.

Jesse Fillmore Merchant Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at 6:33 PM on December 17, 2023, while surrounded by loved ones in Marietta, GA. He was born in Beals, Maine, to Ulysses and Gladys Merchant on September 30, 1933. Jesse's early years in Beals, were marked by his remarkable athleticism, notably as part of the Beals High basketball team that clinched three state class S championships. After graduating in 1952, he bravely enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving at an air base in North Carolina. His journey post-service saw him moving from Beals to Winslow, Maine, in 1963 and eventually to Marietta, Georgia, in 1972 to pursue a new career path. Jesse's career spanned retail, trucking, and insurance sales. An avid sports enthusiast and community leader, Jesse dedicated much of his life to playing and leading teams in various leagues, from youth to adult. His passion for sports was evident in his involvement in travel senior baseball, local and travel softball, and tournaments across the country. Jesse's personal life was enriched by love and companionship. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Kelley, who sadly passed from Cancer in 1998. Later, he found love again with Bettina Sue Carver Merchant, another high school classmate, whom he also sadly lost to cancer in 2021. His final years were spent in the comforting presence of his family, moving back to Marietta, GA to live with his youngest son and spend time with his grand and great-grandchildren until his passing. Jesse leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience to many friends and family. He is survived by his sons; Audwin and Susie Merchant, David Merchant, and Jesse Jr. Merchant, and his former spouses Laura Evans and Alice Merchant, his grandchildren; Alishia and Jonathan Zuniga, Angel and Frank Countryman, Anthony and Brittany Merchant, Ashley and Sarah Merchant, Jessica and Shawn Miller, Kristin Merchant, Kaitlin and Steven Vanskiver, Matthew Merchant and Katie Smith, Steven Merchant, and his great-grandchildren; Gabriel, Bella, Ezra, Lincoln, Hayden, Heaven, Preston, Kevin, Gavin, Isabella, Elana, Zane, Kylee, Rob, Lily, and Casey. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents Ulysses and Gladys; his wives Betty and Bettina; his siblings Morrill, James, Sydney, and Lois; and his in-laws Shirley and Etta Kelley. A memorial service celebrating Jesse's life will be held at Marietta First Church of the Nazarene on January 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM followed by an intimate burial attended by immediate family at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park. Jesse's memory will be treasured by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he left behind. Thank you to all of the friends, family, and caregivers who helped shaped the man who impacted so many. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jesse's honor to Nazarene World Missions or the American Cancer Society.