Nelson William Merchant

Bristol, TN – Nelson William Merchant, age 72, went to be with the Lord unexpectedly on Wednesday, September, 17, 2014, at his home. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army Air Corps and received two Purple Hearts as a result of injuries sustained in the Vietnam War. Nelson owned and operated The Muffler Shop in Saltville, VA for over 20 years and worked for the State of Tennessee cleaning brush and debris from the South Holston Lake. He also volunteered as a counselor with Dash Ministries and shared his testimony with patients at The Laurels in Lebanon, VA. He was a member of Covenant Fellowship Church in Bristol, VA where he was active in their motorcycle ministry, Covenant Bikers for Christ. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Merchant; and mother, Jane Friley Merchant Whitter. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 37 years, Debby Karr Merchant; three sons: David Merchant of FL; Ronald Wilmot and wife Robin of Saltville, VA; and Shawn Wilmot and wife Jennifer of FL; three sisters: June Eckart and husband Doug; Bobi Bossie and husband Rick all of OH; and Deanie Wright of FL; 10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 11:00-12:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Michael Booker officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard, the Virginia National Guard, and the Patriot Guard Riders. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Wilmot, Shawn Wilmot, Randy Burke, Jonathan Cantrell, Brad Farmer, Laban Farmer, Larry Ferguson, Larry Mowl, and Josh Pickett. Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Bikers for Christ, 109 Gate City Highway, Bristol, VA 24201. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Nelson William Merchant is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.