Walter E. Merrill

Walter E. Merrill, 86, passed away March 26, 2013. Walter originally resided In Warren, New Jersey, and was a 7th and 8th grade math teacher for the public school system in Middlesex, New Jersey. He taught math not in the abstract, but practically – and, as an example, taught his students how much change they should receive when a discounted product (for instance, 25% off) was purchased. During the summers, he was a master carpenter, who built homes using guidelines that were not required at that time (but are now part of virtually all building codes). He volunteered his time for the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 228, in Warren, New Jersey.

After retiring, Walter and his late-wife Mary moved to Jacksonville Beach in 1993, and enjoyed the neighborhood, the cuisine, and traveling throughout Northeast Florida. Walter’s best lesson that he taught was: “Don’t ever lie. People might not like what you say, but they will trust you and respect your opinion so long as you don’t lie.”

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd. Jacksonville.

His surviving son, Kevin E. Merrill, will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2013 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services by the internet at http://crs.org/donate/, by phone at 1-877-435-7277, or by mail at P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203.