Mr. Alvin E. Merrill

Alvin Merrill Pickens – Alvin Elem Merrill, 85, husband of Cathryn Hamby Merrill passed from this life Friday, January 18, 2013 at St. Frances Hospital in Greenville. Mr. Merrill was born in Transylvania County, NC a son of the late Albert E. and Beatrice Cisson Merrill. He was retired as owner and operator of Alvin Merrill Grading and Construction. For many years he sub contracted with Duke Power and helped clear the Jocassee Gorges. Mr. Merrill was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church and was a U. S. Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Cathryn, daughters, Beverly Merrill Baker of Irmo, SC and Kathryn Merrill Gilstrap of the home, grandchildren, Michael Andrew Baker of Easley, Gina Baker Reeves of Irmo, and Jennifer Gilstrap Peery of Charleston, great grandchildren, Katelyn Marie Baker and Ryan Hannah Reeves. Also surviving is a sister, Jean Merrill Plemmons of Brevard, NC, and a brother, Albert N. Merrill of Courtland, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Earline Merrill Byers. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM Sunday at Dillard Funeral Home and funeral services will follow at 3 PM Sunday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Fred Stone officiating. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens. A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com. Memorials may be made to Hospice of The Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621, or to the charity of one's choice. Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, SC