DATELINE: Lake View SC

Willie James Merchant

Mr. Willie James Merchant, aka Bobby Squirrel was born February 7, 1954, in Mullins SC to the late John and Madgaline Merchant of Lake View. On Sept. 25, 2021, Bobby was called to rest at McLeod Hospice House of Florence, SC after a hard fought battle with a long term illness. Bobby joined Little Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Lake View SC at an early age. He was a graduate of Lake View High School, class of 1973. He was employed with Cooke’s Associates for over 40 years. He was an avid football fan and loved his hometown team, the Lake View Wild Gators.

A graveside service will be Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 12:00 p.m. at Lake View Perpetual Cemetery, directed by Cooke Funeral Home of Lake View.

He was preceded in death his parents, John and Madgaline Merchant; father-in-law, Gordon Burroughs, Sr.; brother-in-laws, Albert Legette, Ernest Legette and Gordon Burroughs, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories with his wife, Susan Merchant of the home; loving grandchildren, Darius (Ariel) Ford, Aja Locklear and Derrick Ford, Jr., aka “Mook”; his loving children; Anthony Jones of Florence, SC, Marlana Robinson of Fayetteville NC, Kevin (Deseray) Locklear of Sellers SC; stepson, Derrick Ford of Lake View SC and 17 loving grandchildren; Aunts, Ella Rogers of Fairmont NC, Molly McDowell and Mary McNeill, both of Marietta NC, Martha Coleman of New York and Mary Kirby of Dillon SC.

He also leaves his memories with his brothers; John D. Merchant of Lake View SC, Oscar (Linda) Merchant of Mullins SC, Walter (Imogene) Merchant of Fairmont NC, Randy (Elizabeth) Merchant of Charlotte NC, Alonzo (Denise) Merchant of Polkton NC, William Strickland of New York, Patrick Strickland of Atlanta GA, Timothy (Joann) Strickland of Dillon SC, and Ronnie Martina of Charlotte NC; sisters, Mary Merchant of Lake View, Gloria Strickland of Philadelphia PA, Angie Strickland, Tina Strickland and Pamila Strickland all of New York; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Burroughs, brother-in-laws, Willie (Sue) Legette, Dexter Legette and TC (Michelle) Legette; sister-in-laws, Mary (Sammy) Edwards of Nichols SC, Dorothy (Franklin) McLaughlin and Janet Bethea of Lake View SC, and Loris (Bruce) Ford of Marietta NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; special neighbors and friends, Michael (Tangela) Wheeler.

Rest in peace our husband, father, brother and friend, we love you.