Christopher Ronald Merz

Obituary for Christopher Ronald Merz

Christopher Ronald Merz, 63, passed away March 7, 2023 at his Fayetteville, Tennessee farm. He was born on May 5, 1959 in Teaneck, New Jersey. Chris was raised in Cleveland, Tennessee where he graduated from Cleveland High School in 1977. He later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he majored in Engineering.

Chris enjoyed working on his farm alongside the company of his fur babies Lucy and Desi. His spirit was unmatched and was an immediate nostalgic comfort to those who were given the gift of his presence. If you knew Chris; you knew peace and selfless kindness.

He was Superintendent at Lincoln County Utility Board where he took an abundance of pride in serving his fellow Fayetteville coworkers and community. Chris held many titles but the one he cherished most was “Gramps” to his three grandchildren Scott, Price and Zoe.

He was preceded in passing by his maternal grandparents Franz and Martha Zechel (Peters) and paternal grandparents William and Ella Merz along with his brother James William Merz and stepmother Linda Merz.

Left behind to cherish his memory are parents Reinhard Merz and Marianne (Zechel) Merz. daughter Brittany Merz Patterson; siblings Lori Merz (Tony) Smith; Peter (Tammy) Merz; step siblings Andy (Kim) Osment, Julie (Trent) Redmond, and Donna Osment; grandchildren Scott Patterson, Price Patterson and Zoe Patterson; nieces and nephews, Alex (Sarah) Curry, Stephen (Melody) Curry, Jet Smith, Avery Smith and Pierson (Amber) Merz; great nieces and nephews Aevah Merz, Eli Yell and Rory Leal Smith.

He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his lifelong friend Emory (Tina) DeBoard.

The family will receive guests at Companion Funeral Home in Cleveland, Tennessee on Thursday March 16, 2023 from 2-6pm. A memorial service led by Mark Bolden will conclude visitation at 6pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to YMCA Camp Ocoee to assist in project funding and scholarships for summer campers during their 100th season.

Contact 423-338-5588 or www.ymcacampocoee.org for additional information.

Please visit the online guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com to leave warm words of comfort and precious memories for the family.