Justin Clayton Merrill
(1920 - 2008)

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General Details

Name:	Mr Justin Clayton Merrill
Gender:	Male
Age:	88 years old
Lived:	Sunday, 6 June 1920 - Tuesday, 1 July 2008

My Story

    Justin Clayton Merrill passed away Tuesday July 1, 2008 at his home holding the hand of his eternal sweetheart, Bernice.

   He was one of five sons and four daughters born to David Justin Merrill and Macie Lee Clayton. He was born in Murray, Utah while his family was on vacation visiting his grandmother. At the age of 14 his father passed away and throughout the years he was always available to his mother and family to lend his support.

   J.C. was a man of honor and integrity. One example of this was during World War II, while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, he was almost court marshaled for hitting a superior when the officer called him a liar and an explicit name. Another quality of J.C.’s was his positive outlook on life illustrated in his numerous sayings which he often quoted to his family and friends. Upon being greeted by him you were often asked a question, “What do you know for sure?” You’d better have the correct answer and say with enthusiasm “The gospel is true and the book is blue!” Another of his most famous quotes is “Remember the Alamo ... they had it tough there too.”

   He attended Phoenix College for 2 years, and played football with them in the Rose Bowl in 1938 against Pasadena College. He also played semi-pro baseball with two different teams in Phoenix. He has always enjoyed the game and is probably in the process of organizing a heavenly team.

   After serving in the United States Coast Guard, he decided to pursue a career with the city of Phoenix by driving a city bus. After which, he was employed with Western Greyhound Lines for 33 years. J.C. received many awards and medals for safety throughout his career.

   Throughout his life he remained dedicated to his church and community by volunteering his time as a financial clerk for 18 ½ years, a home teacher to his brothers and sisters in the gospel, a temple mission in the Mesa, AZ temple for 9 years and as a Sunday School teacher at the Federal Correctional Institute in Tucson, AZ.

   J.C. was also very dedicated to his family by supporting their many activities and interests. Traveling to Arizona, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Okinawa, Utah, Maryland, Alabama, Florida, and Colorado he has been in attendance with his sweetheart to numerous baseball, basketball, wrestling meets, vocal performances, graduations, football games, track meets, swim meets, soccer, volleyball, dance recitals, baptisms, weddings, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s baby blessings.

   He and his sweetheart recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on June 16th. He was a loving father to his children - Marilyn, Debra, Steven, Patricia (deceased infant), Claudia, and Dwight Wise. He was also blessed with 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren with one more joining the family in September of this year.

   He will forever remain in our hearts and our memories as the strong spirited and tender-hearted man that we all loved and looked up to.

Latest Tributes

7 / 7 tributes

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From: Atripp

Grandpa I will always remember you and the positive outlook you had on life! It was always fun to greet you and have...

From: ranik
Song Name: take me out to th...
Artist:

From: schotc

My Dad was the greatist. He was and will always be my HERO. He taught me to work hard, play hard, sportsmanship, lov...

From: MHochstettler

I will really miss Grandpa Merrill. I know I didn't get to know him exceptionally well, but he was one of the first m...

From: JamieLynn22

I will always remember you and keep you in my heart. You were a man of your word and honor, I hope that my son can li...

From: ranik

My Grandpa was one of the strongest men I know. He was always there to greet you with a smile, a huge hug and one of ...

From: Jean

This message is from C.J. " I love you Great Papa".

From: Jean

Grandpa Merrill you were the greatest man I know. I could always count on you to make me smile. I loved listening t...

Biography

Fathers Name:	David Justin Merrill
Mothers Name:	Macie Lee Clayton
Spouse's Name:	Bernice Merril
Children's Names:	Marilyn, Debra, Steven, Patricia, Claudia and Dwight
Country of Birth:	USA
Country of Residence:	USA
City of Residence:	Tucson
Occupation:	Other
Marital Status:	Married

Interests

Favourite Sport:	Baseball
Favourite Team:	U of A

Passing

Place of Passing:	Home with his eternal companion
Date of Passing:	1 July 2008
Funeral Date:	8 July 2008

My Friends/Family

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JMallis

Atripp

MHochstettler

ranik

schotc

hoss1280

Jean

JamieLynn22

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6,277 Visits | Online Memorial Created By: ranik on 3 July 2008 | Back to Top

Online Memorial

Justin Clayton Merrill (1920 - 2008)

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