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Transcribed from a poorly mimeographed copy of the obituary saved by unknown sources and shared by Harry Fannin Wing. Although no dates are visible on the article, Ralph and Lucy Merck died February 19, 1919. Ellipses (...) indicate that portions all of the article were unreadable for transcription. Mr. and
Mrs. Ralph A. Merck are Buried in Same Grave Here Sunday
One of the largest crowds every assembled upon a similar occasion were gathered at the graveside; their presence attesting the love and esteem in which this young couple were held. Mrs. Merck died Thursday morning about 11:45 o'clock, after a short illness from Spanish influenza, which was followed by pneumonia. Mr. Merck was unconscious from the same disease at the time of his wife's death and never regained consciousness before his death, which took place Saturday morning at 3:45 o'clock - never knowing that his companion had crossed the dark river before him. Mr. Merck was 28 years of age, having been born and reared in this county. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Merck, his father having preceded him to the grave over a year ago. He had taken charge of his father's bicycle and toy store at the latter's death and was succeeding splendidly in business. Mr. Merck was of a mechanical and inventive turn of mind and some years ago he constructed an airplane, which proved of great interest to his home people. Though he had never perfected....he was still interested in....his death. On May 1?, 1917, he enlisted in the aviation corps of the U.S. army and stood the highest examination of any man in Georgia, receiving 100 on every detail of the examination. He was in training in Texas until his father's death, when he secured his release and returned to live with his mother and take charge of the business. On May 13, 1918, he was married to Miss Lucy Syfan of Abbeville, S.C., a beautiful and popular young lady who had made hundreds of friends during her brief residence on Gainesville. She was possessed of a lovable nature and was a splendid Christian character. Her death was the cause of deep sorrow both here and at her former home. As was expressed at the funeral Sunday, these two young people had walked inseparably during their union and life, and, sad as it was, it was yet beautiful that they were separated only a slight while in death. Mr. Merck was a teacher in the Sunday school of the First Methodist church and also took a great interest in Epworth League work, having been treasurer in this district of that organization for a number of years. His life was indeed a useful and well-spent one. Besides his mother, Mr. Merck is survived by two brothers, Dr. Fred L. Merck of Little Rock, Ark., and by Chas. S. Merck of Montgomery, Ala., and three sisters, Mrs. E.H. Dent of Newnan, Mrs. Harry Fannin of Apalachicola, Fla., and Mrs. Will Wing, Jacksonville, Fla. |