Homer E. Merrell

Homer E. Merrell, 86, of Reliance, TN, passed away Monday, May 27, 2019 at Starr Regional Hospital in Athens, TN.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and retired from TVA.  He loved to fish, garden but more than anything spending time with all of his family.    

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Pless Merrell; step-children, Frances Mason and Roger Hicks; granddaughter, Shawna Merrell Reigelsperger; brother, Hubert Merrell; brothers-in-law, Robert Green and Jim Martin.

Survivors include his children, Bridgette Hammons and husband Joe of Riceville, Winston Merrell and wife Carol of Linsdale Community; step-children, Robbie Hicks and wife, Kathy of Reliance, Debbie and Jeff Patterson of Cleveland; grandchildren, David Hammons and wife Mary of Riceville, Zabrina Hammons of Delano, Samantha Woods and husband Marcus of Cleveland, Crystal Hammond and husband Patrick of Englewood, Tabitha Yearwood and husband Daniel of Tellico Plains, Dwight Merrell and wife Amy of Etowah, Allison Thomas of Charleston, Gabriel Coker of Dalton, Brady Coker of Linsdale Community, Miranda James and husband Chase of Old Fort; step-grandchildren, Matthew Hicks of Reliance, Josh Patterson, Richard and Matthew Mason all of Cleveland; great-grandchildren, Joshua Green and wife Jamie of Wisconsin, Mia Hammond of Englewood, Katie Yearwood and James Laframboise of Tellico Plains, Alex Yearwood of Tellico Plains, Kayleigh Thomas and Braxton Thomas both of Calhoun, Stephen Merrell, Sarah Merrell and Cameron Merrell all of Cleveland, Carlie Reigelsperger of Etowah, Zachary Chrisman of Delano, Elias Hammons of Riceville, Summer Woods and Adley Woods both of Cleveland, Caydence Kaminske of Wisconsin, Braylee James of Old Fort; great-great grandchildren, Blakelee Green, Anaya Rae Green and Joseph Laframboise III; sisters, Reble Green  and Maudie Martin both of Cleveland; brothers, David Merrell and wife Loretta, Johnny Merrell and wife Mollie both of Reliance, TN; sister-in-law, Eula Mae Merrell.  Several nieces, nephews and extended family members also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Higgins Funeral Home in Benton, TN with Reverend Wilfred Wright officiating.  Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Green Hills Cemetery in Etowah, TN.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the funeral home prior to the service.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Merrell Family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton, TN.