Stephen "Skip" W. Merrill

EASTOVER—Skip Merrill, 67, passed quietly on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at his residence in Hopkins, SC.He was born on January 18, 1949, in Columbia, SC.Skip was the son of the late Oscar and Vieno Merrill.Skip was the proud father of son, Scott Allan Merrill of Columbia and daughter, Jill Merrill Beza and son-in-law, Nic Beza of Lexington, SC.Skip’s beloved grandsons’ are Harper Powell-Merrill and twins Nikko and Jojo Beza.He was the loving brother of Ginger Boyce of Valdese, NC and Judy Merrill Stringer of Myrtle Beach, SC; nephews, Brian “BeeBop” Boyce of Valdese, NC and Josh Boyce of Columbia, SC; nieces Lisa Stringer of Myrtle Beach and Lori Boyce Stratton of Pelion, SC. Skip had a wonderful career with NAPA Auto Parts as General Manager for over 37 years.He made many lifelong friends and will be greatly missed for his kind heartedness, free spirit and zest for life.He especially enjoyed all the fun as a genuine “Gamecock” Fan.Skip spent his whole life in the Columbia area.Skip graduated from Dreher High School in 1966 and the University of South Carolina in 1970.Skip loved to play baseball and continued the sport most of his adult life.In addition to going to just about all the USC Gamecock football and baseball games every season, he also loved fishing, boating, having fun at the beach and was also an expert at golf.Gardening was also a big part of his life as he was always searching nurseries for new plants to grow and cultivate as this brought him much peace and joy.Skip also had a big heart for his kitties too.During Skip’s long fight with cancer, he never lost his sense of humor and could always make you laugh. Skip’s family would like to thank the SC Oncology Associates and Dr. Jeffrey Libbey of Southern Surgical Group, Lexington, SC. Memorials can be made to the Humane Society, 121 Humane Society Lane, Columbia, SC 29209 or to one’s own charity of choice. A memorial service for Skip Merrill will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Temples Halloran Funeral Home Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212, Reverend Dave Dedonato will officiate.The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.The family strongly suggests that anyone attending the service to please wear “Gamecock” attire, in Skip’s honor.