James L. "Jimmy" Merryman

James L. "Jimmy" Merryman

James L. "Jimmy" Merryman, age 97, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Saturday morning, November 23rd, at the home where he was born and raised and where he lived with his wife of 72 years and raised their family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Daphne Hoover Merryman, son Ronnie Lynn Merryman, father James Herman Merryman, mother, Maggie Gregory Merryman, and sister, Lorene Hughes.

He is survived by his daughters, Brenda (John S.) Bryant, Nashville, Linda (Newton) Harris, Murfreesboro, Terri Merryman & husband Alan Frio, Nashville; grandchildren, Dr. James Edwin Bryant, Memphis, Mary Ross (David) Fowler, Winston Salem, NC; step-grandsons, Jason Harris, Nashville, Brian Harris, Murfreesboro; great-grandchildren, Abby Ross Fowler, Luke Brant Fowler, Winston Salem, NC.

He was a life-long member of the Hillsdale Baptist Church and a 70-year member of Masonic Lodge #664 F&AM. After 35 years, he retired from the co-op that he helped to form in the area, North Central Telephone in Lafayette. He also proudly served his country in the Navy during WWII.

His final years were full and his wish was to stay in his home for the rest of his life. Many thanks to his devoted caregivers who helped make that dream come true by keeping his pipe full and helping him find his favorite westerns on TV.

He will be fondly remembered for many things, but above all, he'll be remembered for always having a smile and a bright outlook for everyone he met. His advice to his children was to "let the sun come up on your problems because these things will always work out the next day."

In his honor, please smile today and share your joy with the people you meet.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 2 pm from the Hillsdale Baptist Church with Rev. Jeremy Wilson officiating. Interment followed in the Hilldale Cemetery. Pallbearers: John S. Bryant, Newton Harris, Alan Frio, James Bryant, David Fowler, Kenny Cothron, Jason Harris, Brian Harris. Masonic Rites were conducted Tuesday at 7 pm, at the Anderson and Son Funeral Home. The family request memorials be made to Hillsdale Cemetery or Hillsdale Baptist Church. You may make these by calling or going by the funeral home.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson & Son Funeral Home, Lafayette,

615-666-4011. www.andersonandsonfuneralhomes.com