John Robert Merryman Jr.

John Robert Merryman, Jr. (Bob) passed away on Sunday, November 26th at the age of 92, after a brief illness, with his family by his side. He was born on August 26, 1931 in Jackson, MS to Hilda Wichman Merryman and John Robert Merryman, Sr. (Jack). Bob graduated from Central High in Jackson and attended the University of Mississippi as a Regular NROTC student. While at Ole Miss he was also a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated with a BBA in Industrial Management and received his commission as Ensign USN. He served as an Engineering Officer and Communications Officer on the U.S.S. Northampton, CLC 1 Flagship in the Mediterranean. Following three years on active duty in the Korean conflict, he resigned his regular commission and became USNR continuing in the Reserves while holding down his regular job and serving as Commander USNR centered in Jackson, MS. In his civilian life, he held various Human Resource positions with Arkansas Louisiana Gas in Shreveport, LA; Gulf States Paper in Tuscaloosa, AL; Kellwood in Brookhaven, MS; and Delta Drilling in Tyler, TX. His second career was as a Financial Advisor at A.G. Edwards and Wells Fargo Advisors in Tyler for 27 years. Bob was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church for 45 years where he served as a worship host. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Merryman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma Strother Merryman; his daughters, Kay (Dr. Stuart) Crutchfield, and Laura Bennett; grandchildren, Ashley Crutchfield, Dr. Andrew (Jordan) Crutchfield, Blake Bennett and Brett Bennett; great-granddaughter, Noah Crutchfield and great-grandson, Beau Crutchfield. A memorial service will be held at Stewart Family Funeral Home on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 3:00 with Rev. Kevin Burdette officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Cathedral in the Pines Memorial Garden. Honorary Pallbearers include Dr. Stuart Crutchfield, Dr. Andrew Crutchfield, Blake Bennett, Brett Bennett and Charles McLean. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charities of one’s choice. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other caregivers at Christus Trinity Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler for their compassion and care.

John Robert Merryman Jr.

August 26, 1931 - November 26, 2023