Raymond Merrell
July 10, 1921 ~ June 14, 2007
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Raymond Merrell, 85, of Asheville, died Thursday, June 14, 2007, at Baptist Retirement Home.
A native of Buncombe Co., Mr. Merrell was a son of the late Samuel and Lydia Williams Merrell. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lois Parr Merrell, who died in 2005; his son, Charles Ray Merrell, who died in 1991, sister, Ruby Rankin, and brother, Marvin Merrell.
Mr. Merrell, a second generation fireman, retired as Captain from the City of Asheville Fire Department after 36 years of service, and was a US Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Crossroads Assembly of God.
Mr. Merrell is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Lee Akin and husband Jim, of Raleigh; son, Dennis Merrell, of Asheville; brother-in-law and best man, Oliver Rankin; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Merrell; grandchildren, Spencer Merrell, Shannon Merrell, Stefan Merrell, and Renee Ingoe; and great-grandchildren, Isaac, Joy, Joshua, Emmalea, Noah and Gabriel.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Emma’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Baptist Retirement Home for their care and support.
Hi Bonnie, I felt so bad that I was unable to come to the funeral for your wonderful Daddy. I have had some physical problems lately and I miss so much. But I didn’t want to miss your Dad. Love you and pray God will strenghten you as the days go by. Its one day at a time.
Raymond and Lois were good friends and loving people. Most of all they loved the Lord.
I thought I would share a story about Captain Merrell that I experienced just a few months ago. I am a firefighter and had been detailed to Engine Company 6 to drive for a shift. We had the pleasure of having Captain Merrell visit us. I always enjoyed it when he would stop by and tell us the many stories he had from working in the firehouse. On this day we had a call about 15 minutes into his visit and had to leave. Capt. Merrell was really moving getting out of the firehouse as we got onto the truck. As I looked back into my rear view mirror to make sure the door was closing I could see Capt. Merrell and you could tell that he was ready to get on that truck with us. It is a great memory that all of us on the truck that day will have of him. We will miss his visits and miss him. The firemen at AFD Firehouse #3 are very sorry for your loss.
Bonnie My Family and myself we are really consterned for Your Lost We are with You and Your Family on this moments, ever We are far way from You ours hearts are with You
The family is in my thoughts and prayers as you go thur this time of loss. Mr Merrell was a very likeable person, and I enjoyed taking care of him at C. J. Rich Insurance Agency. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Bonnie and Jim, you and your family have been through a difficult couple of years. No matter how old we are the loss of a parent is difficult. Find strength in knowing your father is at peace and that your parents are reunited. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
George and Joanne Franke
May The Lord comfort you in Raymond’s passing. He is where he has wanted to be for many years. I know this because Raymond was one of the finest Christians I have ever known. He lived a life that backed up what he believed and spoke of. His life was one of service, at the fire department, in his church and in his neighborhood. This world would be a far better place if we all were more like Raymond Merrell.
The Crawford Family would like to extend our deepest sympathies during your time of bereavement. In remembrance of your Dad, Raymond Merrell, we keep in our hearts Psalm 23. Bonnie and Jim our prayer is that God will comfort you and family through this journey.
prayers are with all of you at this time of loss
Our deepest sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to the Merrell family. May God give you peace and comfort.
Don,Dianna Birchfield & family