Bernard Merchant, Sr., 87, of Lexington, Virginia, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

Born July 7, 1922 in Eagle Rock, VA, a son of the late William Merchant and Lila Brown Merchant.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Ester Merchant and a son, Richard Wayne Merchant.

Surviving are seven sons: Bernard Merchant, Jr., Dennis Merchant, William Merchant, Alvin Merchant, all of Lexington, VA; Ronnie Murray of San Antonio, TX, Clyde Cooper of Waynesboro, VA, and James Cooper of Richmond, VA; four daughters, Patricia Knight of Harrisonburg, VA, Margaret Lyle of Staunton, VA; Linda Cooper and Carolyn Jackson, both of Lexington, VA; one sister, Thelma Pettigen of Baltimore, MD; twenty one grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Long Family Cemetery with the Rev. Laney Knight officiating.

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory, Lexington VA.