Cleaston Elmer Merrell

Cleaston Elmer Merrell, 80, passed away peacefully at home on March 7,2025 following an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Rufford Merrell and Edith Hollifield, brothers James Merrell, Ronnie Merrell and Bobby Merrell. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Cole Merrell, his children Duane and Sasha Merrell, Alison and Jason Smith, his grandchildren Sawyer and Abbi Smith, Sydney Smith, Christian and Jordyn Stewart(Rylan and Reid), Jordan Stewart, Matthew Stewart and Jaden Stewart, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Gene Shoemaker, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Burley and Ruth Cole, brother-in-law and sister-in-law James and Sheila Cole, sister-in-law Jan Tipton and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cleaston worked in the construction industry in Atlanta for many years and helped build many of the buildings that have defined the Atlanta skyline since the 1970’s. As a member of Antioch Baptist Church he was instrumental in building the new sanctuary in the early 2000’s. He always enjoyed sharing the stories of each of the projects he helped build with his children and grandchildren. Cleaston was most at home when he was outdoors. He loved both hunting and fishing any time possible.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 11th at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home. Reverend Travis Bridgeman and Sawyer Smith will officiate the service. Visitation will be Monday, March 10th from 4 to 8 P.M at Ingram Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery in Copperhill, TN at a later time.