Fritz Merrell

Fritz John Merrell



Brevard-Fritz John (Ol Buzzard) Merrell, 91, died on February 11, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 1, 1917 in McDowell County, West Va. He was a son of the late Thomas A. and Ethel J. Merrell. He was preceded in death by five brothers, James A., Thomas A., Jack D., twin Hans W. and Jay H. Merrell, two sisters, Ethel Mae Smith and Marguerite Wilbar.



He moved to Horseshoe, NC at the age of 13, he was a 1934 graduate of Etowah High School. He was employed at Enka where he played fast pitch softball and baseball. He served in the US Navy during WWII as a Chief Petty Officer. He was employed by Ecusta for 42 years where the last 20 years he was Employee Recreation Supervisor and Director at Camp Straus retiring in 1980. He also worked part time at Moore Funeral Home. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Brevard where he was a past Deacon and Sunday school teacher, Brevard Fire Department, American Red Cross, Transylvania Youth Association, American Legion, Past President of NIRA (National Industrial Recreation Association), Meals on Wheels, volunteer at Transylvania Community Hospital, he participated in Brevard Senior Games, and he was a charter member of Glen Cannon Country Club.



He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Virginia Lee Merrell, one son, Jack Lee and wife, Barbara Severs Merrell of Pisgah Forest, NC., one daughter, Rita Ashley and husband David of Sunset Beach, NC, one sister, Jane Chick of College Park, Md., five grandchildren, John Atherton Merrell of League City, TX, Jay Aaron and Courtney Cabe Merrell of Greenville, SC, Judson Lee and Sarah Desforge Merrell of Fletcher, NC, Lorraine Rae Ashley of Sunset Beach, NC, Merrell Burton and Allyson Ashley of Annandale, Va., six great grandchildren, Zane Edward , Ahna Rachel and Grayson Thomas Merrell, Elizabeth Quinn, Adam David and Ian McKinney Ashley, numerous nieces and nephews.



Memorial Services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, February 16, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Brevard with Rev. Joe Hayes officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Transylvania Youth Association, 1078 Ecusta Road, Brevard, NC 28712 or American Red Cross, Transylvania County Chapter, P.O. Box 2337, Brevard, NC 28712.



To leave a condolence message for the Merrell family, please go to "Obituaries" at www. moore-fh.com.



Moore Funeral home is caring for the family.