The passing of another veteran bodybuilder.
Sad news to report as NPC competitor and bodybuilding trainer Mercury-Morris Claiborne has passed away at the age of 59. The veteran bodybuilder passed away at just days before his birthday.
According to his obituary it appears that Claiborne suffered a stroke that left him a quadriplegic.
Competing in the bantamweight division, Claiborne placed first in the 1989 NPC Nationals. Claiborne also went on to compete for the USA at the 1992 Mr. Universe competition, placing second at the show.
Below is the obituary of Mercury-Morris Claiborne.
August 19, 1960 ~ August 17, 2020 (age 59)
August 19, 1960Mercury-Morris Claiborne, born Morris Calvin Claiborne, Jr., was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin and God-father who’s life was entrusted to the parentage of Dorothy Easter Claiborne and Morris Calvin Claiborne, Sr. He began this journey through life on Friday, August 19, 1960. in Greensville County Virginia.
Mercury-Morris was a born leader and this was displayed as he was class president during his junior year in high school and was elected student body president in his senior year. Embracing his passion for sports, he also became a lettered athlete in football and track & field.
As life progressed, Mercury pursued a career as a personal trainer to many. He ran a “boutique gym” out of his home. Since the age of 19, he had been a bodybuilder and later competed in the Mr. Universe contest, representing the United States in Paris, France in 1990.
Mercury-Morris became an avid motorcycle enthusiast…owning everything but a Harley. Suzukis, Hondas and a Ducati…he had them all. But most importantly…he was a child of GOD. He accepted Christ at Valley High Baptist Church, where the pastor encouraged him to use his gift and pursue the ministry. It was there that his love for God was deepened and spiritual gifts were nurtured.
“In tears we saw you sinking, we saw you fade away. You suffered much in silence, you fought so hard to stay. You faced your task with courage, your spirit did not bend. But you still kept on fighting, until the very end” and on Monday, August 17, 2020; while in the comfort of his home; Mercury-Morris was taken by our Lord, after a near 10 year survival, from a debilitating stroke that left him a quadriplegic without the ability to speak.
“God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you; and whispered “Come to me!”. So when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful, free from pain. We could not wish you back, to suffer that again. In God’s own time, we will meet again.” Mercury is lovingly survived by: his mother, Dorothy; his father, Morris; his sister Theresa; his brother, Michael (wife, Tamra); nieces, Madeson and Maisen; three uncles; two aunts; a host of cousins and a multitude of friends.
Generation Iron sends condolences to the friends and family of Mercury-Morris Claiborne.
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
