William Merriman Jr., age 79, of Olive Branch, Mississippi went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 27, 2023. “Sweet William” as he was lovingly called was a pillar in his family and church. He was a man of honor, a man of his word, a devout family man and friend to many. William was born in Crowder, Mississippi and attended North Panola High School, class of 1962. He went on to serve as a Staff Sergeant and helicopter mechanic in the United States Air Force, and was a Master Mason at the Grand Lodge 293 of Mississippi (Oak Grove). William retired from Ezon Corporation after many decades of loyal service. He had meaningful and lasting relationships with his co-workers and employees. William was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served faithfully as a church elder and choir member for many years. He faithfully participated in and loved Saturday morning Men’s Fellowship and Men’s Bible study at his church. William had a magnetic personality which drew people to him. He was hardworking, loyal, and loved the Lord. William enjoyed gardening (and could literally grow anything) including pineapples and oranges in Mississippi. He loved sports, and that meant going to all his grandchildren's games and activities. William also loved photography. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Merriman and Esther Howard Merriman, and his siblings, Doretha Merriman Rogers, Sonny Merriman, Christine Merriman Hardin, Atha Merriman Stacey, June Merriman Fowlkes, and Thurston Merriman. William leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Mary Diane Merriman, his son, Keith Merriman (Jennifer); daughter Stachia Cutchin (Brett), and his sister, Renda Merriman McCalligan. William also leaves behind six grandchildren: William H Merriman, Ben Merriman, Winston Merriman, Maddie Grace Merriman , Julia Cutchin and Kaitlyn Cutchin. The family welcomes friends on Saturday, June 24th at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Olive Branch, MS to celebrate the life of William Merriman Jr. Visitation will begin at 10:00a.m, memorial service at 11:00a.m. followed by lunch in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8161 Germantown Rd. Olive Branch, MS 38654.
