Ralph David Merrill, Jr.

Short Funeral Home 13 E. Grove Street, Delmar, De 19940 302-846-2525 DAILY TIMES & LAUREL STAR--- obit with photo, please send proof & price LAUREL- Ralph David Merrill, Jr., 53 of Laurel, formerly of Delmar, died Saturday, February 26, 2011 at his home in Laurel. He was born March 16, 1957 in Salisbury, a son of Ralph David Merrill, Sr. and Willa Faye (Goff) Merrill of Delmar. In one of his classics, Billy Joel laments, “only the good die young.” Unfortunately, sadly those words rang true on Saturday as David lost his short, hard fought battle with brain cancer. It has been said that if we could be half the man our fathers were than we would be the best man of our generation. David was that best man. His character was impeccable and his honesty unquestionable. Even, and most importantly, in tough times he never wavered and always did the “right thing.” All that knew David were better people for having known him. He will be truly missed and always loved and remembered by his family and his friends. David proudly graduated from Delmar High School with the Class of 1975. He worked for many years in construction as a supervisor for Temco, where his reputation for fairness and his loyalty was always obvious. He truly loved the outdoors and had a passion for hunting and fishing and competing in bow-shooting competitions. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his fiancé, Teresa Shupp of Salisbury; his son, Zachary Ralph Merrill of Laurel; two sisters, Carla Parker and her husband, Frank of Quantico and Donna Hurley and her husband, Patrick of Delmar; a step-daughter, Sara Shupp of Salisbury; and six nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two friend/brothers, Andy Hoffman and Jack Webb, both of Delmar, and a close friend, Sheila Bradford, his “angel caretaker” of Laurel. A celebration of David’s life will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, Delmar, where family and friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00. The Reverend Jack Jester will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Delmar Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Ralph David Merrill, Jr.

March 16, 1957 - February 26, 2011