D.G. Merrell Jr., passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at the age of 85, on Sunday, February 27, 2011. D.G. was born October 8, 1925 to Davis and Dovie Bates Merrell in Polk County, TN, where he lived the majority of his life. He served in WWII and most notably fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo Wilson Merrell; his brother, Truit Merrell; sisters, Lela Thomas, Ethel Rymer, and Tincy Eldridge. D.G. was a loving, playful, and gentle man with upstanding character who loved the Lord Jesus. Everyone who knew him counted it a privilege and he left a blessing wherever he went. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his brother W.D. and wife Azalea; two daughters, Nancy Jo and Peggy Merrell; granddaughter, Krista and her husband Geoff Bebout and granddaughter Alicia and her husband Jim and their sons, Jacob and Ben Defenderfer; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2011, in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Rev. Greg McCosh officiating. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m., prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2011 and proceed to Green Hill Cemetery for the 11 a.m., committal service with military honors. Geoff Bebout, Jim Defender, Ray Priest, Russell Arms, Scott Messer and Roger Farley will be serving as pallbearers. Elgin Durham, Toby Tate, Jim Key, Harry Thomas and Benjamin Defenderfer will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah in charge of arrangements