Hall of Famer William A. “Bill” Mercer, who passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 99, was married to Ilene Love Hargis.
While the precise details of Bill Mercer and Ilene Love Hargis’ marriage remain unknown, the longtime married couple had four children: F. David A., Daniel Evan, Martin Andrew, and Laura Ilene Mercer Tiedemann.
Ilene Love Hargis was born as the youngest child of W.D. and Sarah Hargis in Stigler, Oklahoma.
A proud Oklahoman, Ilene was raised in a tight-knit family alongside her siblings Dub, Sarah, and Linia, all of whom preceded her in death.
Her journey took her from the plains of the Sooner State to a fulfilling life alongside one of broadcasting’s most respected voices.
Ilene Love Hargis, a Respected Teacher, Passed Away Fighting a Courageous Battle With Parkinson’s Disease!
Bill Mercer’s demise comes a little over a decade after his wife, Ilene Love Hargis’ demise in 2014.
Ilene Love Hargis passed away on December 15, 2014, in Durham, North Carolina, at the age of 90, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Her passion for learning led her to Northeastern State College, where she earned her degree and laid the foundation for a career in education.
Ilene was a teacher, and her role defined her professional life as an educator.
She taught at The Lamplighter School in Dallas and later at the University of North Texas (UNT) Child Development Lab School.
Bill Mercer, the longtime announcer for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), has died at 99. He was a legendary figure in professional wrestling, best known for his announcing work with the Dallas-based WCCW. Mercer's unique voice and passionate style were key to the… pic.twitter.com/7s1rI5jLNw
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) March 23, 2025
In addition to her role as an educator, Ilene was actively involved in organizations like PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and AAUW (American Association of University Women).
She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and endured a lengthy struggle with the illness before her death in 2014.
Ilene faced her final years with the same grace, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
After Ilene’s death in 2014, her memorial service was held on January 10, 2015, at The Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Before his broadcasting career, Bill Mercer served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, participating in several major invasions, including Guam and Okinawa.
- He was a reporter during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and was the first to inform Lee Harvey Oswald that he was being charged with murder.
- Mercer spent over 35 years teaching sports broadcasting at the University of North Texas.
