Merrill Richard Hardison

Merrill Richard Hardison loved the Lord. He led Bible studies with his crew on the U.S.S. California while serving in the Navy during WWII.

He married Beverly Jean Berndt in the Reedley First Baptist Church on July 18, 1948 -- the hottest day of the year. Together they pastored church in Dunlap; Merrill preaching, Beverly playing the piano and teaching Sunday school. From 1948 to 1960 the family travelled every Sunday. The church in Dunlap that still stands was designed and built by Merrill.

While Merrill and Beverly lived with his mother in Reedley from 1948 to 1961, Merrill and Beverly had two daughters, Jean Marie born May 19, 1949 and Carol Elizabeth born December 29, 1950. Merrill’s teaching career started in the early 50’s and ended with Fresno Unified in the 80’s. During his teaching career, Merrill took two years off to go into the printing business with his brother Max. During this off time he drove truck for Lonnie Case during the summer.

Merrill and Beverly moved into their own home in 1961 in Fresno on Kearney Blvd. where Beverly still resides. The family attended the First Baptist Church in Fresno and Merrill continued his work ethic; painting and fixing up any needed work to be done at church. He always felt that 10% given to the church should be help and work related. For 15 years, he and his wife were lay workers who attended Fresno Chinese Baptist Church. Merrill taught the Young Adult Sunday School Class and Beverly taught the Senior High Class.

Our family will always remember the Thanksgiving reunions. Projects were a must; picking oranges, raking leaves, Merrill never ran out of work to do for one and all. This was his love language, working and giving to others. He was a man that helped anyone who asked and he freely gave his advice.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy; mother, Ester; brothers, S.D. and Max; and sister, Evelyn.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Beverly, married 65 years; daughters, Jean and her husband Philip and Carol and her husband Robert; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Fresno First Baptist Church on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.