Donald "Wayne" Merrill

Wayne graduated from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia and attended Jacksonville State University, where he was on the Cougars intramural football team.

He married the former Susan Elizabeth Weaver on May 22, 1971. They were married for 53 years until Wayne's passing.

Wayne was employed for 40 years in retail sales. He was a member of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church and he enjoyed coaching and watching his sons and grandchildren play high school and youth football, baseball, wrestling, and volleyball, as well as attending their Fine Arts performances. He was also an avid deer hunter and a passionate Auburn Tigers fan. He loved parties, beach trips to Cape San Blas, Florida, family gatherings, and time with his and Susan's grandkids.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, A.P. Merrill and Sue Choat Merrill, and a sister-in-law, Caroline Merrill.

In addition to his wife, Susan, Wayne is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Donnie and Erin Merrill, Chad and Monica Merrill, and Cody and Lauren Merrill; nine grandchildren, Mackenzie Merrill, Annemarie Merrill, Maddox Merrill, Katelyn Merrill, Luke Merrill, Nolan Merrill, Lydia Merrill, Emma Merrill, and Audrey Merrill; one brother, Larry Merrill Sr.; sister-in-law, Ann Weaver Knight; niece, Natalie Merrill Smith (Sean); and nephews, Larry Merrill Jr (Laura), Zac Knight (Krista), and Alex Knight (Mallory).

The family will greet friends Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama from 10-11 a.m., followed by A Celebration of Big Wayne's Life at 11 a.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Big Wayne by taking your family out for a meal.