Ricky Merrell Sr.

As you celebrate the end of my life’s journey, I pray that each of you will find comfort in knowing that a loving and compassionate God knows what is best for each of us. I tried to take advantage of my brief time on Earth showing everyone how much I loved them. Take all the love that I have shown each of you and use it to comfort your pain when you start to miss me from this world. 

Ricky Merrell Sr. departed this life on March 8,  2026 in Atlanta , GA. 

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Kingdom Advancement Ministries, Jordan Mill Rd., Sandersville, GA . Rev. Allen Davis officiated. 

Ricky Merrell’s life began on October 4, 1962, in Miami, Florida, where he was born to the late William Merrell, Sr., and Dorothy Grooms Walker. He was raised in Miami, where he built the foundation of a life centered on faith, family, and love.

He was preceded in death along with his parents, his brothers, Leon Merrell, and Danny Merrell. 

Ricky leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children: Octavis Merrell; Ricky “Junior” (Kelly) Merrell Jr., Shaneva(Cha’Ronn) Hill, Jonathan Pinkston; Bradley Harper (Felicia Cooper), Areyana Merrell, Khylan Merrell, Daries Smith, and Brittany Upshaw; sister, Dorothy (Lennard Jr) May; brother, William Lee (Janet) Merrell Jr.; his treasured grandchildren: Aliyah Monier; Daetrion Merrell; ChandlerMerrell, Hannah Merrell, Haley Merrell, Holly Merrell, Mariah Devero, Tania Devero, Brandon Harper; Daries Smith Jr.; Teagan Pinkston, and Skylar Hill; sisters-in-law, Janice Merrell and Linda Merrell, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Ricky will always be remembered and missed deeply for his generous heart, unwavering faith, love for family, passion for sports, and the warmth he shared through every meal he prepared. His legacy of love, kindness, and service will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Wheeler’s Funeral Home was entrusted with final arrangements. 

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