Billy Joe Merrell, Class of 1950

Bill Merrell ’50 died Jan. 7, 2015.  He was employed by Battelle Memorial Institute  for 41 years when he retired in 1992. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II on the U.S.S. Westmoreland in the Pacific.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sara Jane; three children; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

His daughter, Melody, writes: Bill loved his days at Otterbein and cherished the friendships made there. He is loved and greatly missed by his wife of 60 years, Sezzy, and his three children. He worked for Battelle Memorial Institute at a marine research facility in Ponce Inlet, Florida for 41 years, and served his community in many ways including volunteer work for the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Association, Boy Scout troop 65, and as a deacon for First Presbyterian church of Daytona Beach. His legacy of love and service will continue to inspire the many people his life has touched.