Victor Eugene Merchant

Victor Eugene Merchant, age 68, from Middletown, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on August 30, 1957 and raised by his mother, Pallie B. Smith and stepfather, Bennie F. Smith. Both parents loved and supported Victor’s passion for basketball which developed at an early age. Victor acquired a few nicknames, ‘Dream Merchant’ and ‘Julius “Dr J” Merchant,’ and Vic. These nicknames were coined by his friends of the Old South Park crew, and the names followed him throughout his lifetime. Vic graduated as a Mighty Middie earning the status of 1st team All Ohio and later had the honor of being inducted into the ‘Middletown High School Hall of Fame.’ After attending Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, Vic transferred to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) where he received a full-ride basketball scholarship. During his time at EKU, the team received ‘back-to-back’ bids to the NCAA Tournaments. In addition to a successful basketball career, Vic graduated from EKU with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

 After earning his degree in Criminal Justice, Vic built a life of adventure, loyalty, strength, and friendship. Vic was supportive and protective of his family and friends and professionally he served as a security officer for Allied Universal. While Vic was standing guard for his company, he left his trusted dogs to guard the house and his wife. They were loyal guard dogs. As soon as they heard his car pull up, they rushed to the door to greet him. Whenever you saw Vic driving, you can bet that one of his trusted ‘Road Dogs’ was right by his side. Vic loved traveling with his wife, Gloria, and visiting different churches. No matter what city he was in, Vic found a church to visit to hear the Word of God. Vic was a man of faith, and he brought his authentic self in all situations. Vic loved his people deeply and visiting, but one thing you could count on is Vic was not leaving your house without a plate or a to-go container full of food.

Vic believed in living life to the fullest, finding joy in the simple moments, laughing often, never taking a day for granted. His energy and generous heart lifted those around him. His love was unconditional. Vic loved his dogs and basketball, but his true legacy was his family. He was a loving husband to Gloria Jean, a loving son, an awesome big brother, a father, a grandfather, a brother-in-law, a cousin, a nephew, an uncle, and a faithful friend.

Vic is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Pallie; sister, Ernestine Merchant; and, stepbrother, Victor Smith. He is survived by his wife, Gloria McCray; his siblings, Kendall Merchant, Chris Merchant (Lisa), Deneene Merchant, and Vickie Cumberlander (Jerome); his children, Alexis Rogers (Kristina), Justin Bouie, and LaToya Lige.

We will miss Vic deeply, but his presence shall live on with those who were blessed to know him. As our hearts say goodbye to Vic, he is approaching the Pearly Gates greeted with open arms and a warm smile by Momz as he smiles and says, “Hey Now.”

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