Lewis Merrill

Penrose, NC

Penrose - Lewis "Hayes" Merrill, 94, died Saturday, August 7, 2010 at Transylvania Regional Hospital after an extended illness.

Hayes was born on August 15, 1915, the oldest son of the late Jim and Lillie Merrill. Hayes lived in the Little River community and was involved in many areas of his church and community. Hayes was a faithful and active member of Little River Baptist Church, serving both as a deacon and a leader as well as a member of the Little River Baptist Church Cemetery Committee. Hayes' home has always been a hub of activity in the community, especially for his boys as they were growing up.

Hayes was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Sentelle Merrill. Surviving are five sons and their families; Melvin and wife Anita of Tifton, GA; Larry and wife Ruby of Mills River, NC; Raymond and wife Donys Kaye of Penrose, NC; Jerry and wife Janet of Mills River, NC; and Allen of Pisgah Forest, NC; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Lovella Heath of Penrose, NC; and two brothers, Charles of Hendersonville, NC, and Calvin of Bessemer, AL.

Hayes has lived in the Little River community all of his life except for a period of time when he moved to Florida during WWII. Hayes' wartime commitment was as a shipbuilder at Wainwright Shipyard in Panama City, Fl. He remained there working and supervising the building of navy ships until the end of WWII. Upon returning home to WNC, he chose to support his growing family, first as a carpenter, and then as a well driller. He was owner/co-founder of Merrill Drilling Company with his Uncle Talve. Later he began his own drilling business that has expanded over the years. Hayes was owner/founder of Hayes Merrill Drilling, Hayes Merrill & Son Drilling, and Merrill Well and pump Company. He worked in his drilling business for more than 60 years, beginning in 1946. Certainly, Hayes has touched the life of many people across the WNC area, both as driller and Christian friend.

The family will receive friends at Little River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held at Little River Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 2pm with the Revs. Tommy Madden and Chris Farmer officiating. . Burial will follow immediately after the service in Little River Baptist Church Cemetery where his grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial be made to Little River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. , c/o Little River Baptist Church, 51 little River Church Road, Penrose, NC, 28766.

Moore Funeral Home is caring for the family.