William Augustus Merriam Jr

William Augustus Merriam Jr. was born February 15, 1931 and entered into his final resting place July 21, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris; two daughters, Ann Snow (Scott) and Anita Snow (John); four granddaughters, Rebecca Snow, Rachel Reece (Ryan), Haley Broedlow (Rick), Emily Jones (Bret); two great-granddaughters Evelyn and Violet Reece; brother, Jim Merriam; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Herndon Merriam; daughter, Willa Merriam; parents, William and Arvilla Merriam; and sisters, Kathryn Hamlow and Marilyn Rossi.

William A. Merriam Jr. served four honorable and faithful years of service in the United States Air Force as an aircraft maintenance professional achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving both active and reserve. He cherished his military service with integrity and valor.

Bill enjoyed his life on the Merriam Dairy, while actively involved in youth farming activities including 4-H and FFA. He was a member and/or director of all dairy and some farm organizations. After working in dairy, he farmed almonds and walnuts. For 14 years, he was the director of Production Credit Association. He lived his whole life 90+ years on the home place.

He was active in the Hickman School District activities and served as a board member of Hughson High School. He adored his time as an umpire for little league baseball and being a host family for the Modesto A’s baseball team.

For 25 years, Bill was a fire commissioner for Waterford/Hickman Fire District.

Bill was a dedicated member of First Southern Baptist Church of Waterford for 27 years and Calvary Baptist Church of Modesto for 27 years where he served as trustee and treasurer for both. He was the treasurer for the Central Valley Southern Baptist Association for 40 years.

He was involved in Christian Beret Camps where he helped build the first camp and was a van driver for many years.

Bill was a superb family man and a prominent community member. We will always carry your memory in our hearts. The family would like to thank the Veterans Affairs-Palo Alto Health Care System for their ongoing dedication and Community Hospice for their support.

A visitation will be held Monday, August 2, 2021 from 4pm-8pm at Lakewood Funeral Home Heritage Chapel. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 10:30am at Lakewood Funeral Home Heritage Chapel. A committal service will follow.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials and contributions can be made to Christian Berets Inc. 2508 Oakdale Road, Suite 10 Modesto, CA 95355 or www.christianberets.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Merriam family.