Dale Merriman, 72, passed away August 6th, 2022, with his children by his side in Aubrey, Texas. Dale was born August 28th, 1949, in Woodbury, Tennessee to William “Dick” and Willie Matt Merriman.
Dale spent his days as a child playing with his three siblings in the hollers of Hollis Creek. When he was old enough, he enrolled in the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 as a part of the 101st Airborne Division, Heavy Artillery. Dale was awarded the Bronze Star for his outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operation against hostile forces in Vietnam.
When he came back from Vietnam, he moved to Oklahoma to pursue other dreams, eventually settling into a career as a tow truck driver for Exclusive Collison & Towing in Yukon, Ok. Dale was an upstanding, heroic man and that was acknowledged again in 1997 when he received The Towman Commendation for Courageous Professionalism in the Endeavour to Save a Human Life.
He enjoyed his retirement, spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his free time, he loved to be at the BMX track, play with his grandchildren, watch WWE and Football, and eat Moon Pies.
Dale is survived by his wife of 24 years, Brenda; his 3 daughters, Becky, Shelly, and Sally; his son Jimmy; 6 grandchildren, Cody & Jacob Jarvis, Hannah & Austin Merriman, Carolyn & Declan Maclaskey; and 2 great-grandchildren; his sister and her spouse Betty & Jerry Reed. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Linda Merriman.
He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Dale Merriman; his sister and her spouse Garnett & Charlie Campbell; his brother Lonnie Ray Merriman; and both of his parents William “Dick” and Willie Matt Merriman.
Funeral services will be 1 pm Saturday, August 13, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in the Prater Cemetery with Military Honors.
Visitation with his family will be Friday, August 12, 2022 from 4 pm – 8 pm.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories with his family, please visit, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net.