Benny Gene Merrell, age 80, of Owens Cross Roads passed away peacefully on Thursday May 28, 2020, at Huntsville Hospital.
He was born on August 21, 1939, in Farley at home to Paul and Florine Merrell. He attended Farley and Butler Schools where he played basketball, baseball, and football.
After high school he drove a dump truck for Ashburn and Gray and later he was co-owner of a cattle farm in South Huntsville. Mr. Merrell also owned and operated Merrell’s Farley Beverage between 1968 and 1999 at which time he retired.
He was a long time resident of Farley Community/Huntsville and lived in Owens Cross Roads for the last 37 years of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents Paul Timothy (P.T.) and Florine (Hall) Merrell and brother Billy Wayne Merrell.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Linda Jean (Russell) Merrell; daughters, Dena Hillis (Benny), Melody Ann Lecroix (Patrick); son, Travis Merrell (Robin); sister, Nancy Brooks; grandchildren, Dalton Lecroix, Kate, Mary Elliot, and Lucy Merrell.
Visitation is Monday, June 1, 2020, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Bush Cemetery.
