William R. Merrill, 89, of Watsontown, died Friday, November 20, 2020 at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg.

He was born on September 7, 1931 in Athens and was the son of the late Arthur Q. and Hazel (Cole) Merrill.

William served his country proudly in the United States Army.

On August 30, 1931 William married the former Esther B. Bidlack, who survives, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage together this year.

He was a graduate of Athens Area High School Class of 1949 and then went on to attend and earn his Theology Degree from Allentown Bible Institute. He served as a local pastor for Summit Hill Wesleyan Church, Beach Creek Wesleyan Church, Millersburg Wesleyan Church and Bentleyville Wesleyan Church. In his spare time, William loved to farm and raise pigs and horses. He especially loved living in the country and enjoying the clean air.

In addition to his wife, William is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law; Robert and Cindy Merrill of Wernersville and Arthur Merrill of Northumberland, one daughter and son-in-law; Brenda and Floyd Hulsizer, Jr. of Watsontown, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother; Ronald Merrill of Sayre and one sister; Esther Finch of Sayre.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by one son; William M. “Billy” Merrill and one sister; Irma Horton.

All services for William are being handled privately at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place at a later date in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens. Arrangements are being handled by Dale Ranck Cremation & Funeral Care, 125 N. Front Street, Milton.

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