Merril Raper

Mr. Merril Raper, age 76 of Lake City, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Born in Sparta, Tennessee to the late Noah and Zada Hodges Raper, he was a fifty-year Columbia County resident. Mr. Raper worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Columbia County Road Department for thirty-five years. Being very involved in the community, he coached basketball at the Boys Club of Lake City and volunteered his time serving veterans at the Lake City VA Medical Center. He was an active member of Live Oak First Assembly of God, was an avid Florida State Seminole fan and loved to go fishing. He is survived by his wife: Carolyn Raper of Lake City; children: Joseph and Melinda Howell of Wellborn, Susan Jolley of Lake City, Tammy Bell of Wellborn, Donna and Billy Carter of Macclenny, Carol Ann and Mike Townsend of Live Oak, Merril Raper Jr. of Lake City, Lillie Raper Porter of O’Brien, Mary and Kevin Burton of Texas, Byrda and Antoin Mitchell of O’Brien, Sophia Raper and Faith Raper; thirty six grandchildren, forty great grandchildren and his sister: Martha Sue Presley of Lake City. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, February 1, 2024, at Live Oak First Assembly of God with Pastor Michael Townsend officiating. Interment will follow the service at Live Oak First Assembly of God Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Guerry Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Blvd., Lake City in charge of arrangements.