Douglas Edward Merchant, devoted plumber and outstanding Nettleton citizen and friend to all, departed this life for his eternal reward at NMMC in Tupelo on Monday evening, October 2, 2023 from complications of open heart surgery. He was 65 years old. Everyone loved Doug and his family. They were “fixtures” on the 4-way stop corner in Nettleton. He founded Merchants Plumbing in 1978 and later added a bait shop to his operation, despite the fact he never fished much himself. Doug never met a stranger, always had a smile and a kind word to say about everyone, and loved his large family enormously. His partners in his business, Chris and Bradley, were his mainstays and he was at his best giving them orders for plumbing calls. He married the love of his life, Debra Kay Walls, on Sept. 24, 1976, a marriage of 47 years until his untimely death. He was born in Hamilton, Alabama to the late James William Merchant and Virginia Fay Williams Godsey. To this union was born three children, Bradley, Chris, and Susie.
Doug was a Christian and a member of the Nettleton Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. A perpetual cutup, Doug loved joking around with family and friends always calling everyone “cousin” no matter race, creed or color. He enjoyed drinking coffee and “Facerbook” as he called it!! He was close to his dogs. Doug had a heart larger than all outdoors and always took care of the least and last whether he had anything or not. He will be missed by his family and his super large circle of friends.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 5 PM Friday, October 6, 2023 in the Sanctuary of Nettleton Pentecostal Church with Bro. Bill Hale officiating assisted by Bro Toby Landsdell. Mark Williams, Jimmy Blaylock, and Paul Waddle will deliver personal reflections. Visitation will be from 2 PM-service time Friday only at Nettleton Pentecostal Church. Private burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.
Doug is survived by his wife, Debbie, his sons and daughter and all their families. A full obituary will be posted on Wednesday.
Since Doug and his family touched so many lives over the years, friends are making monetary donations to assist the family. Holly Payne at Holly’s Flower Shop has agreed to collect the funds and see that the family gets them. Do as your heart speaks and all donations will be graciously and humbly received by the Merchant family.
