Merlyn Wayne Grisham, age 89, of Jasper, Georgia died October 28, 2019.

Merle was born November 13, 1929 to Virgil and Etta Grisham in Sun City, Kansas; moving shortly thereafter to Springfield, Missouri, where he was raised. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy Ann Grisham; his son and daughter-in-law, Tad Alan Grisham and Judith Ann Grisham; and his sister, Joetta Buck.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Tim) Jackson of McDonough, Georgia; his son, Ross (Stephanie) Grisham of Jasper, Georgia; grandchildren, Mat (Murphy) Grisham, Taylor (Jenna) Jackson, Davis Grisham, Casey (Daniel) Wright; great-grandchildren, Stone Jackson, Saige Jackson, Sawyer Jackson, Charles Wright, and Ella Wright; and his brother-in-law, Richard Buck.

Merle served the US Army in Japan as a Paratrooper in the years between WWII and the Korean War. He returned to the States and business school in Missouri where he met his soon-to-be bride, Peggy. He joined the railroad industry which led to employment in Nashville, Philadelphia (where Tad and Nancy were born,) Buffalo, St. Louis, and then Atlanta (where they added Ross to the family.) While living in Decatur, Merle owned a floral business. He then went back into transportation and eventually retired while living in Conyers. Merle and Peggy then moved to Blue Ridge. The one constant throughout the years was Merle’s unrelenting love for the game of golf, which rewarded him three holes-in-one and a very brief stint as a caddie on the LPGA tour.

Merle always appreciated the fellowship of the Christian Church, none more so than Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Knowing him meant feeling his warmth, seeing his bright smile, and laughing with him and his quick wit. Though his family will miss him, they also envy him as he joins the wonderful members of the family lost too soon.

The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home and Crematory from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sonshine Manor Personal Care Home in his honor. (Sonshine Manor Personal Care Home – 309 Price Creek Farm Lane; Jasper, Georgia 30143)

Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.

Online condolences may be made at www.roperfuneralhome.com.

 

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