John Arthur Merrell

The only son of Arthur and Olive Merrell, he was born November 20, 1945, in Winter Haven, Florida. He graduated from Chamberlain High School of Tampa, Florida in 1963 and joined the Navy soon after, serving his country proudly. John was an esteemed firefighter in the Tampa Fire Department, which he spoke of often and with great joy. He was unfortunately medically discharged early due to a cardiac event following exposure to a major fire. An enthusiastic entrepreneur, John opened and managed his own insurance companies around the Greater Tampa Bay area. A true highlight of his life was the time he spent coaching little league softball and baseball for his children and others in the community. He found so much fulfillment in coaching and was a favorite to many players, parents, referees, and even opposing coaches and teams. His jovial spirit and commitment to fairness were only matches by his skill and cleverness on the field. He eventually retired to the Great Smokey Mountains where he was able to focus on his love of exploration and gold mining. When he wasn’t exploring the wilderness with his beloved canine companion, he was in his garage tinkering with his automobiles.

He is preceded in death by his parents and many good dogs. We take comfort knowing Skipper, Dutchess, Chipper,and Chino have all welcomed him warmly and are having a blast playing fetch in the wooded parts of heaven with him now.

John is survived by his children, Lori Driggers, Christina Ayers, Rebecca Glass, and Joseph Merrell, his grandchildren, Katie Merrell, Ashley Rainbolt, Lisa Wilson, Stewart and Nicohle Holt, great-grandchild Amelia Rainbolt, beloved friends, Connie and Fred Steel, and his animal companion Ruby, who we all vow to take good care of in his absence.

John was a man with great integrity and a strong moral compass. He loved his family fiercely and always put us first. The void left by his passing will never be filled, but we honor his memory by living each day with greater kindness and compassion in our hearts, just as he did.