Willis "Bill" Merrill,

Willis Graham "Bill" Merrill, age 83 of Taylorsville passed away on Thursday, July 5 at his residence.  Born May 26, 1929 to the late Willis Beam and Mary Alice Graham Merrill in Franklin County, Ohio.  Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was the founding pastor of Calvary Chapel in Taylorsville and in addition to his pastoral duties he served as a Christian counselor for many years. In retirement he was a member of  Community Christian Fellowship in Bethlehem. Bill was also a member of the American Legion.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, James Russell Merrill and two sisters Gwendolyn Vanderwater and Harriett Whatley.  He is survived by his wife, Shirley Mae Carlson Merrill of the home. One son Dr. Steven Merrill and wife Shirley Marie of Taylorsville; two daughters, Carla S. Boyd and husband Richard of Granbury, TX and Alice L. Sanders and husband Steven of Riverside, CA.  Bill has 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 7, from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service with service following at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in the Friendship Community Cemetery. Rev. Gary Jennings and Rev. Neil Bowman will officiate. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Military rites will be conducted by VFW Post 10,000 and 5466 of Hiddenite.  Memorials may be made to Community Christian Fellowship Church, PO Box 597, Taylorsville, NC 28681.