Frederick "Fred" William Merrill of Yazoo City went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 30, 2016.
Fred was born in Colon, Panama on December 16, 1939 to the late Colonel Philip William Merrill and Caroline Tute Merrill. As his father was a career army officer, Fred had the opportunity to live in many places, including Wisconsin, Georgia, England, Germany, Indiana, and Alabama. He attended Hope Place School in London for primary school, Kemper Military Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Coffee High School in Florence, Alabama. He then continued his education at Braden Prep School on the Hudson in Cornwall, New York, and West Point Military Academy. While attending West Point, he decided not to make the military his career as his father had. Instead, he returned to Alabama and graduated from the University of North Alabama with a degree in business management and English literature.
As a young man, Fred lived in New Orleans and worked in several fine-dining establishments, where he developed a love for the food industry. Upon moving to Jackson, Mississippi, he established his career in the hospitality industry as manager of the Capital City Petroleum Club, serving as president of the Club Managers Association of America. Fred and his wife, JoDale, retired to Yazoo City, where he was actively involved in the First Presbyterian Church and faithfully served as a deacon.
Fred was a well-read and talented man. He had a deep love for literature, could quote many pieces of poetry and converse about many subjects. He was also a gifted storyteller. He was creative and loved working with his hands – building, repairing and making things right again. A few of his many passions and hobbies included antique sports cars and windsurfing, which he enjoyed into his sixties.
Fred was beloved by his family who cherished spending time with him. He is survived by his wife, Josephine (JoDale) Fisher Merrill; his stepchildren, Paula Jennings Hood and her husband Jimmy, Jack Stewart Jennings, Jr. and his wife Sherri; seven grandchildren: James Wilson Hood, Jr. and his wife Carter, Harrison Barksdale Hood and his wife Jeannie, Stewart Jennings Hood and his wife Betsy, Alexander Warren Hood, Jack Stewart Jennings III, Molly Jennings Ames and her husband Daniel, and Sarah Selby Jennings; three great grandchildren: Harrison Barksdale Hood, Jr. (Harry), William James Hood, and James Wilson Hood, III (Trey); and three sisters: Mary Katherine Grosbeck of Winter Park, Florida, Ann Merrill Jordan and husband Don of Denver, Colorado, and Patricia Merrill McKnight and husband Craig of Sacramento, California.
Visitation will be in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City, Mississippi, on Saturday, December 3, from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. with the funeral following at 2:00 p.m. His five grandsons and Kip Carroll will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City or French Camp Academy. The family wishes to express our love and deep gratitude to Renee Ward and Lisa Caston for their wonderful care.
