John William (Bill) Merrell

LTC US Army (retired) John William (Bill) Merrell, 85, of Knoxville, TN, passed away very peacefully at Prosperity Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care on June 13, 2018. He was surrounded by his grateful and loving family. Known affectionately as Dad, Papaw, and Papaw Bill, he was born in Brevard, NC to Emory and Esther Merrell on April 2, 1933. Dad joined his father and brothers in the construction field as a mason and was self-employed for many years. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge. In addition, he was a decorated and dedicated Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, a proud veteran of the Korean War, and enjoyed maintaining a relationship with his many military friends over the years. Dad enjoyed and was able to travel extensively in retirement, including a return trip to Korea to revisit his areas of engagement. The Honor Air trip to Washington, DC, and many a fishing trip with family and friends to Alaska, Canada, and throughout the states were among his favorites. In addition to travel, his passions included any time that he could spend hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, reading (pretty much anything, but mostly history of people and places in Southern Appalachia), and time with his family and friends. He was a fan of all Tennessee sports-noting great respect for Coach Pat Summitt. Politically he was a Democrat to the end! Bill is survived by his children Bryan (Mary Ann), Catherine Byrd, and Stacy (Susan), grandchildren Courtney Merrell Johnson (David), and Jennye, great-grandchildren Sunday and namesake William Johnson (due 11/4/18). Dad is also survived by brothers-in-law E.J. (Mike) Clarke, M.D., Amherst, Va., and William H. (Mary) Clarke, Chattanooga, sister-in-law Betty Merrell, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by wife and children’s mother Jacquelyn Clarke Merrell, parents Emory and Esther, brothers James (Jim) and Howard (Buddy) Merrell, and sister-in-law Joan Dew Merrell. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dad’s many caregivers and healthcare professionals, and the respective teams at Prosperity Pointe and Amedisys Hospice. Dad had many friends in life, but special mention should be made to fellow charter members of the Hardin Valley Breakfast Club where he never heard a bad joke, but was prone to tell one. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Tributes

John William (Bill) Merrell

April 2, 1933 - June 13, 2018