The North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association is pleased to nominate Robert L. “Bob” Merrill Sr. for consideration as an inductee to the MCAA Masonry Hall of Fame. Mr. Merrill is the founder of Merrill Masonry, Inc., a commercial masonry contracting firm located in Brevard, North Carolina. He is 88 years old and retired from the company. Which is still in operation and managed by his son-in-law Steve Stout and daughter Debbie Merrill Stout. Mr. Merrill is a founding father of the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association and served as NCMCA’s fourth president in 1977. He has been a consistent supporter and leader of the NCMCA “Land of the Sky” Chapter which is active in far western North Carolina and the Greater Asheville area.

Mr. Merrill has selflessly served the masonry industry with his exceptional capability and willingness to recruit, mentor and encourage others in the trade. His service to his community and church are legendary, having served on his county’s school board and county commission for numerous terms, and always willing to donate time, materials, labor and money to missions, community building projects and charitable causes. Robert Merrill is truly an exemplary ambassador for the masonry life.

North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association

Began meeting with MCAA Hall of Fame member Glenn W. Sipe and commercial masonry contractors Ivey Griffin and Red Brookshire to form what is now NCMCA. Served in several different capacities, on committees, and was NCMCA’s fourth president (1977.) He served as president of the Land of Sky Mason Contractors many times, as well as other offices in the chapter.

Community

Mr. Merrill taught Sunday School for 35 years and served as a deacon for 50-plus years at First Baptist Church in Brevard, NC. He was an active member of the Brevard High School Blue Devil Club and was instrumental in the construction of the field house and the press box. He served two terms as a member of the Transylvania County School Board and one term as a Transylvania County Commissioner. He is a lifetime trustee for Mars Hill University after serving active terms for 25-plus years. He was also active in the Shriner’s Club for 40-plus years.

Missions

He has been involved in many mission trips during his life, laying brick and block in communities in Paraguay, Brazil, Dominican Republic, and West Virginia.

Since beginning Merrill Masonry, at least 20 masons who worked for him or apprenticed under him, went on to own their own masonry companies.

From His Plaque: Began first apprenticeship in 1945 at age 16. Formed Merrill and Smith Masonry in 1958, and incorporated Merrill Masonry in 1967. Helped form the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) and served in several different capacities and committees including as NCMCA’s fourth president in 1977. Has served as president of the Land of Sky Mason Contractors many times, as well as other offices in the chapter. Has been involved with many mission trips during his life, laying brick and block in communities in Paraguay, Brazil, Dominican Republic, and West Virginia. Has selflessly served the masonry industry with his exceptional capability and willingness to recruit, mentor and encourage others in the trade.

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Roles

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