William Merritt Burgin Jr.

William Merritt (Bim) Burgin Jr. joined a host of family and friends in heaven on October 18, 2012. Bim was born in Shugualak, Mississippi, but grew up in Carrollton, Alabama. He is survived by his wife Susie of 57 years. He is also survived by 4 loyal children; Merritt Burgin (Annette), Mark Burgin (Tammy), Susan Terch (Jeff), Luanne Dunne (Dennis); his 15 grandchildren Helen Nabors (Cory), Lucy Aitcheson (Mike), Lynne Carmargo Cruz (Pedro), Merritt Burgin IV, Marshall Burgin, Tricia Duff (Tim), April Burgin, Kate Terch, Leigh Ann Terch, Jeffery Terch, Jennifer Terch, Ryan Dunne, Justin Dunne, Trent Dunne, and Caroline Dunne and 7 great grandchildren who were the joy of his life; and also numerous nieces and nephews. From an early age he knew he wanted to be a builder, so after a year in the Navy he prepared himself by attending Auburn University. After graduating in 1950 with a degree in Building Science, he worked for nineteen years at Steel City Construction. In 1970, he founded his own construction company. He used his talents in building not only as his life’s work, but also in mission work; constructing houses and churches in the U.S. and foreign countries. His spare time was spent at his family home in Carrollton, AL where he was happiest maintaining the property as a place for his extended family to gather several times a year. For the past 12 years he and Susie attended Brookwood Baptist Church where the memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 21 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 1:45 and also following the service. The family wishes to express our most sincere gratitude to Hospice and especially Dr. Harold Simon and to Bim’s caregiver Lucille Benson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church Builders for Christ, 3449 Overton Road, Birmingham, AL 35223.