Search by Name

Search by Name

Merrell Williams Obituary

Dr. Merrell Williams, Jr.

January 26, 1941 - November 18, 2013

Ocean Springs, MS

Dr. Merrell Williams, Jr. was born January 26, 1941 in Monroe, LA. Dr. Williams was an actor, playwright, and professor by trade though he gained notoriety in the 1990's as the first tobacco whistleblower. He was honored in 1998 by the Gleitsman Foundation Citizen Activist Award and in 1997 with the Joe Callaway Award for Civic Courage for his work fighting Big Tobacco. He has been profiled and honored as a hero in many books and news articles both in national press and abroad, including two recent documentaries by Canal Plus in France. Dr. Merrell Williams, Jr. passed away on Monday, November 18, 2013 in Ocean Springs, MS at the age of 72.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Merrell Sr. and Peggy Williams; his sister, Sandra Williams; and his grandson, Sawyer.

He is survived by his wife Christina; daughters Jennifer and Sarah, and five grandchildren.

A private service for Dr. Williams was held in his honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun Herald on Nov. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Merrell Williams

Not sure what to say?





Christina Daltro

November 24, 2016

To my beloved husband, wherever you are, still fighting for your ideals. I miss you dearly. Wife.

Chris Eagan

December 8, 2013

My Father (Thomas P Eagan), who passed in 2009 co-authored a historical novel with Merrell in the early 1980s called "The Bull of Scapa Flow" & always spoke highly of Merrell.

Sorry to hear of his passing.

Joe G Bowen

December 8, 2013

May god bless your soul forever in paradise & heaven. We are 1st cousins, lived & played together as children along w/your sister samdra & we
always loved one anothe.
with eternal love
joe g bowen. Jaxn miss.
r

Donna Cullen

November 27, 2013

Condolences to all who loved or befriended Merrell. Thank you for standing by him as he fought to saves lives. I personally thank his courageous and ongoing gestures each time I am in a smoke free workplace, restaurant, airplane or other public place. A freedom fighter who is surely now at his maker's right hand.

November 27, 2013

Sorry for your loss. As a young person, I'm glad he stood up for for humanity. His bravery is needed more in the world.

November 26, 2013

My condolences to the Williams family.
May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

M. Young

November 26, 2013

May the Williams family be comforted knowing he done something to help millions to understand the dangers of smoking. May God comfort you all in your time of need.

November 26, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

b davis

November 26, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

November 26, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Debbie J

November 26, 2013

My sincere Condolences to Williams. May the God of comfort," comfort you during your affliction and his sayings preserve you alive." Psalm 119:50

Bankston

November 26, 2013

We are sorry to learn of Mr.Williams death.He was a fighter for a very worthy cause.Draw close to God during this time of grief.

steele

November 25, 2013

To the family and friends of Mr. Williams you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear love one. My husband is along time cigarettes smoker and I fear for health constantly. I thank Mr. Williams for the work done in that area. May he sleep in peace.

Dianne Chandler

November 25, 2013

Aside from simply being shocked at Merells passing and saddened that he will no longer be here to constinue his fascinating life I would like to
offer my condolences to his wife and daughters and to say how much I enjoyed
knowing him and hearing about his adventures.

He was definitely one of a kind and shall be missed!

Dianne Chandler

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in Merrell Williams's name

Memorial Events
for Merrell Williams

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Merrell's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Merrell Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more