Charles Franklin Merrill Sr.

CONOVER— Charles Franklin Merrill Sr., 75 passed away at his residence on Monday, November 13, 2017. He survived stage 4 lung cancer 9 years ago and colon cancer 4 years ago. He fought the good fight!

Born in Moore County on April 17, 1942, he was the son of the late Lewis Albert and Eva Stilwell Merrill and was a member of Christ Church on Springs Road in Hickory. Charles served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged June 4, 1968. He retired after 41 years of service with Norfolk Southern Railroad. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Marsha M. Hupko; sisters-in-law Patricia B. Thomasson and Pamela W. Bayliff.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Elizabeth “Beth” Bayliff Merrill of the home; a son Charles F. Merrill Jr. and his wife Angela J. Merrill of Hickory; a grandson Joshua J. Merrill of Chapel Hill; a granddaughter Rachel E. Merrill of Hickory; brother-in-law Michael B. Hupko, Johnson City, TN; sister-in-law Kathryn B. Gutierrez and husband Scott of Robbins, NC; brother-in-law David W. Bayliff and wife Teri of Easley, SC; brother-in-law Jim Thomasson of Aberdenn, NC and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Christ Church of Springs Road. The funeral will be held Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Christ Church of Springs Road with Reverend Tom Mabry and Reverend Harley Scalf officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with military honors presented by American Legion Post 48. Memorial gifts may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.