Charles Bernise Merrill

Charles Bernise “Bernie” Merrill, 91, of Fairview, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at his home.

Bernie was born July 12, 1930 to Zindel and Lucille Cauble Merrill. He was a master builder, crafting custom homes throughout Buncombe and surrounding counties. He began his construction career with Beverly-Grant Construction and then later started his own residential construction business, Bernie Merrill Construction.  He was an active member of Trinity of Fairview Baptist Church, attending the Sunshine Senior's class regularly. He was a cherished and devoted husband, Dad, Papaw, brother, uncle and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Evelyn “Mamaw” Marlowe Merrill, both of his parents,  a brother, Bob Merrill and a sister Rose Pearce.  He is survived by his daughters, Donna and husband, Jim McHone, of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, Lisa and Patrick Payne of Fairview; son, Tim and Susan Merrill of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchildren, Jill (Sam), Kimberly (Jody), Jonathan (Crystal), Kyle (Carter), Marlowe (Jordan), Emily, Elizabeth and Grace; great-grandchildren, Malee, Joseph, Ava and Avalynn, Daniel and Garrett, River and Emmerson, Jack, and Charlotte; and sister, JoAnn Mason of St. Petersburg, FL.

A private graveside service will be held at Cane Creek Cemetery at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday at Trinity of Fairview Church, with Rev. Stacey Harris officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Trinity of Fairview Church-Wood Ministry.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Merrill Family at this time.

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