Vernon Evans Merchant, Jr., age 92, of Anderson, SC, passed away Monday, January 30, 2023, at his home with family by his side. Born in Fairfax, SC, he was the son of the late Vernon Evans Merchant, Sr. and Ruth Gravely Merchant. Vernon was a graduate of Clemson University, MUSC, and the Missouri Cancer Hospital. He was a practicing physician at Anderson Area Medical Center for thirty five years and served stints as Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery. He was instrumental in the formation of the Cancer Association of Anderson and Hospice of the Upstate. He served on the SC Board of Medical Examiners for 19 years, SC Oncology Advisory Board, MUSC Foundation Board and MUSC Alumni Board of Trustees, and Anderson District 5 School Board. He was a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto from Governor David Beasley. Some of Vernon's greatest passions included supporting the Clemson Tigers, spending time at the beach with his family, reading diverse literature, and keeping up with his children's and grandchildren's endeavors. He traveled often, including a trip on the Concorde and the QE. He is survived by his loving wife Joan; children, Lee D'Andrea (Bill), Cindy Landis (Mark), Lyn Merchant (Powell Hickman), Karen Clark (Mark), Van Merchant (Mandy), Griff Merchant (Judy), and Holly van Zyl (Jaco); 15 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many cousins. Additionally, he is survived by Joan's children, Jim Singleton (Sherry), Ken Singleton, and Max Singleton (Stacee). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his former wife, Barbara Merchant; and granddaughter, Connor Landis. The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the loving care provided by Aliaunda, Ebunoluwa, Auooluwa Laniya, David Turner, and Carolyn Johnson. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Central Presbyterian Church with Dr. Michael York officiating. Dr. Merchant's children will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 E. Calhoun St., Anderson, SC 29621, Central Presbyterian Church, 1404 N. Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621, MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St., MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425, ASPCA, www.aspca.org, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621. Follow the links below for online donations. https://cancerassociationanderson.org/ https://onrealm.org/centralpresby/-/form/give/now https://giving.musc.edu/ https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give Events Memorial service Saturday, February 4, 2023 2:00PM Central Presbyterian Church 1404 North Boulevard Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 864-226-3468