Obituary of William Paul Merritt

William Paul Merritt, 67, of Man, WV, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, following declining health complicated by a too-brief battle with cancer. Bill was at CAMC Memorial at the time of his passing. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Eloise Marshall Merritt; his parents-in-law, Jimmie and Grace Brumfield Butcher; his older brother, Eddie; and Eddie's wife, Tina. Bill worked in the field of mining and mining construction for Amherst Coal Company and later for Industrial Contracting of Fairmont until his retirement. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 42 years, Karen Butcher Merritt of Man; daughter, Lauren Thacker (Gary), of Hurricane; son, Andrew (Madison), of Man; granddaughter, Grace Olivia Thacker, of Hurricane; grandson, Duncan Andrew Merritt, of Man; sister, Lillian Atkinson, of Fayetteville; brothers, Robert Merritt of Accoville and David (Cheryl) Merritt, of Man; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Judy Butcher, of Raywick, KY; and a host of beloved relatives and special friends, including LoLo Corns, his precious young neighbor with whom he shared a bond made of ice cream, candy canes, and midnight 7-11 runs. Bill was a gentle soul with a soft heart, always wanting to make those around him feel welcome and included. When his children were younger, he spent a lot of his time teaching them, and many of their friends, how to fish and hunt and play sports. Bill could always be counted on to serve as chauffeur to ball games and sporting events through the years. Bill was also very active in volunteerism in local children's sports, including being a parent volunteer for softball, cheerleading, basketball, and baseball. He coached Man Buddy League basketball for four years, assisted with Man Little League for six years, and served as a member and treasurer on the Man Little League Board. Bill was a standout athlete at Man High School. He was a leading scorer on the basketball team and was nominated for the McDonald's All-American High School Basketball team; he was named All-County by the Logan County Coaches Association, and he was named to the All-West Virginia High School Basketball team. In 2010, Bill was inducted into the Man High School Athletic Hall of Fame. In more recent years, Bill could often be found at his cabin or at one of his favorite fishing holes on the New River when his health allowed. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with his precious grandchildren, Grace and Duncan. Most importantly, Bill recently gave his life to the Lord. Then, as was his nature, he started sharing the good word and witnessing to others whenever he had the chance. The family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to Chris Tipton, PA-C, and the entire team at the Man location of the Southern WV Health System for the loving care they provided to Bill. The family also thanks Pulmonary Associates of Charleston for their compassionate care. Bill's adopted mantra had become "never give up". That is the loving message that he would like to leave with all of us. In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that donations be made to the First Baptist Help Center in support of the food pantry of the First Baptist Church of Man. Online condolences may be sent to Bill's family at www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 19th at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Man. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Krantz McNeely Funeral Home, Man, WV.