Kenneth "Ken" Holmes Merry, Jr.

Kenneth (Ken) Holmes Merry, Jr., age 84, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021, three weeks before his 85th birthday. He was a devoted follower of Christ, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, and is deeply loved and missed by his family and friends.

Ken was born on January 27, 1936 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Kenneth Holmes Merry, Sr. and Gena Callaway Merry. He attended William Robinson Grammar School and Richmond Academy. At Richmond Academy, he played on the baseball, basketball, and tennis teams, and served as cadet commander of the ROTC before graduating in 1954.

He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and Emory University, earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army — for a short time on active duty and then in the Reserves, attaining the rank of Captain. After graduation and his time in active military service, he worked for a number of years with Merry Brothers Brick and Tile Company in Augusta, and in later years was self-employed.

Ken grew up in the church but came into a personal relationship with Christ as a sophomore at Georgia Tech, and continued deepening his faith throughout his life. He met his wife, Charlotte, while on a weekend retreat through the ministry of Young Life. Over his lifetime, he and Charlotte and their family were blessed to be a part of loving church families through several local congregations. For over 20 years, he found his church home at Grace Fellowship of Augusta, where he particularly enjoyed being a part of their weekly prayer meetings.

Ken served his family, friends and church family in countless different ways that were often practical and understated. Given his many strengths and interests, he tutored his children in math, and passed along to them his interest in history and current events, computer science and economics. He enjoyed coaching his grandsons on sports skills, teaching them exercises, and playing board games with them, particularly chess. He gave wise counsel to many, shaped by Scripture, reading and study as well as sharing from his own experiences over a lifetime. He was disciplined and worked hard, yet also had a good sense of humor and a compassionate, kind, and generous heart, and a deep appreciation and concern for our country.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Charlotte Bohler Merry; children Ellen A. Merry and Kenneth D. Merry (Elizabeth); grandsons Mark Merry and Luke Merry; sisters Ellen C. Merry and May Merry McDonald; and several loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Young Life of Augusta, 2249-B Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904.

Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, services will be closed to the public. However, Ken’s celebration of life service will be streamed at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 16, 2021 at https://www.facebook.com/plattsfuneralhome. The entire service will then be available under Ken’s obituary at www.plattsfuneralhome.com.