Hugh Edward Merchant 73 of Newberry died on March 4 2013 peacefully and surrounded by his family at Palmetto Health Richland. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday March 5 2103 at Whitaker Funeral Home 1704 College Street Newberry South Carolina. Funeral services were conducted at Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church 1307 Drayton Street Newberry at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday March 6 2013. Interment did follow at West End Cemetery. Born on July 28 1939 he was a son of the late Cecil E. and Mattie Longshore Merchant. Hugh was a master electrician and plumber was the owner of Hillside Farm and was a veteran of the US Air Force. He was a member of Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church. Additionally Hugh was a proud supporter of the Newberry Exchange Club South Carolina Cattlemens Association South Carolina Wildlife Federation National Rifle Association and the Newberry High School Athletic Booster Club. Hugh is survived by his wife of 52 years Dallas Bedenbaugh Merchant; his two daughters Lisa (Johnny) Johnson of Chesterfield VA and Amy (Brian) Hawkins of Newberry; four grandchildren Ashley Kelsey Kirsti and Hunter; a brother Henry Earle Merchant of Prosperity and a step-sister Winifred Culclasure of Chapin. In addition to his parents Hugh was pre-deceased by his step-mother Janie P. Merchant and brothers Cecil Eugene Merchant Jr. and James Robert Merchant. Pallbearers were Bart Merchant Jimmy Merchant Hank Merchant Doug Merchant Mike Brehmer Roger West Reggie Martin Calvin Morris and Bill Brown. Honorary pallbearers were The Dove Crowd Andrew Shealy Terry Hawkins Tommy Brown Frank Long Jonathan Bedenbaugh Jacob Schumpert Rick Buzhardt Keith Berry Charles Nichols Wayne Shaw Dave Judd and Jeff Bartley. Memorials are suggested to Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church 1307 Drayton St. Newberry SC 29108; to Glory Tabernacle Church Mission Fund 905 Pope St. Newberry SC 29108 or to the American Cancer Society C/O Jennifer Rogers PO Box 1741 Greenwood SC 29648. The memories will forever be a source of consolation and knowing that he is at peace and rest will comfort us as well. The words of the Bible say Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. May each of us use these words for strength to carry on in this time of sorrow. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.