Ronald Julian Mertz

Ronald Julian Mertz of Greensboro, Georgia died on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the age of 73 at his residence after a most courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 19, 1939 in Calumet City, Illinois, the son of the late Julian John Mertz and Emily Diane Paluch Mertz. He graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and married the former Karen Louise McMahon on December 15, 1978 in Roswell, GA. Ron retired in 2001 from Union 76 Oil Company after 37 years holding various marketing positions within the organization. During his working career, they lived in Schaumburg, IL, Alpharetta, GA, La Canada Flintridge, CA, Trophy Club, TX and Seven Lakes, NC. After retirement they moved to Greensboro, GA eight years ago. He was a member of Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church.

Ron proudly served his country in the Army Reserves. He enjoyed many years with the Rotary Club serving as President, a member of the Friends of the Library and a Trustee for the Greene County Library and member and Past President of Lake Oconee Anglers. He dedicated his life to mentoring young and old alike and truly made a difference while developing the 4-H After School Program for Inner City Kids in Los Angeles, CA. His greatest passion was his family and friendships and he enjoyed spending time with them fishing, golfing, playing poker, enthusiastically watching college football and basketball, working puzzles, reading and traveling. Ron''s wonderful smile, sense of humor and kindness will always be remembered. His fight against cancer inspired all to never give up and live every moment to it''s fullest.

In addition to his wife, Karen Louise Mertz, of Greensboro, GA, he is survived by a daughter, Nicole West and her husband Jeffery Allan of Alpharetta, GA; sister, Judith Hurdle and her husband Neil of Valparaiso, IN; brother Timothy Mertz of Munster, IN; and soon-to-be first grandchild, Julian Jeffrey West due on February 14, 2013.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Reynolds Plantation Pavilion, 3310 Linger Longer Road, Greensboro, GA 30642 with Dr. David Key Officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception at their home following the service. The family requests that any memorials be made to the GCSU Foundation, The Ron Mertz Fund and mailed to GCSU Foundation, Campus Box 96, Milledgeville, GA 31061. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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