Kerrison “Kip” Juniper Merrick, 59, passed from this life, after a long illness, into the loving arms of Jesus Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at 7:25 p.m. at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C.

A graduate of Tryon High School and Kings College in Charlotte, N.C., Kip was the son of the late Anson Angus Merrick Jr. and Joyce Juniper Merrick.

He is survived by a brother, Anson Merrick III (Wendy) of Rock Hill, S.C.; sisters, Linda Merrick Frieze (Harry “Jim”) of Spartanburg, S.C., and Lisa Merrick of Charlotte, N.C.  Also surviving are seven nieces and nephews, Laura Bright Price (Chris), Barry Bright (Eileen), Carter Bright (Tracy), Lee Frieze, Jennifer Robinette Hull (Jason), Anna Merrick Thompson (Scott) and Andy Merrick (Becky), as well as 15 grand-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with visitation following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mtn. Rd., Columbus, N.C. 28722 or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, N.C. 28722.

The family will be at their respective homes.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.