Merlin C. Williamson

WILLIAMSON, Merlin Clinton, 83, a resident ofPrattville,AL, went home to Glory on Monday, October 31, 2011. Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 3, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., from the Chapel of Prattville Memorial, with Rev. Roger Parks and Navy Chaplain Fred McGuffin, Mr. Williamson's son in law, officiating. Burial followed inPrattvilleMemoryGardenswith Prattville Memorial Chapel directing. Mr. Williamson was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Thomas and Velma (Smith) Williamson; three sisters, Irene Williamson Traylor, Clessie Williamson Denny, Frances Williamson; one brother, Doyl Williamson; two infant sons, Kenneth and Dennis, all of Carrollton, GA. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Eula Mae (Cantrell) Williamson; two daughters, Phyllis (Shannon) Williamson Dyess of Monroe, NC, Wanda (Fred) Williamson McGuffin of Bartlett, TN; two sons, Danny (Dianne) Williamson of Prattville, AL, David (Wanda) Williamson of Prattville, AL; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Maurice (Becky) Williamson of Columbus, MS; two sisters, Margie (Bob) Tucker of Carrollton, GA, Janice (Kenneth) Bailey of Rossville, GA; Brother in law, Grady (Frankie) Cantrell of Carrollton, GA, two sister in laws, Willie Myrl Cantrell, Mildred Cantrell Medina; and many extended family members, and friends. Pallbearers will be W.C. Dyess, Daniel Dyess, Kenneth Williamson, Chad Nichols, Charles Chambers, Hunter Beasley and Bobby Brown. Mr. Williamson retired fromWestern Unionin 1986 after 32 years of dedicated service. He loved the Lord and his family, and he was a faithful member, deacon, and treasurer atGraceBaptistTempleinPrattvillefor many years and then atPerryHillRoadBaptistChurchinMontgomery. Merlin and Eula found a church home and worshipped atHeritageBaptistChurchinPrattvilleuntil he became home bound. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping. Papaw loved to give his grandchildren and great grandchildren whisker kisses and taught them how his horse ate corn. He became an Auburn fan when he attended the home games for Western Union and loved to rib some of his children and grandchildren because they wereAlabamafans and it made the football seasons more interesting and fun. During baseball season, he loved to watch and root for the Braves and Cubs. He never met a stranger and befriended everyone with his outgoing larger-than-life personality and loved to have his family and friends around him. Merlin was an avid lover of Southern Gospel music and enjoyed listening to his favorite group, The Inspirations, for many years. The family received friends at Prattville Memorial on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Merlin C. Williamson

August 29, 1928 - October 31, 2011