Stanley Lee Merryman Jr., 63, entered the presence of his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 3:02 PM at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, MS.

Also known to his immediate family as "Bud," Stan was born on Monday, September 18, 1961 in Memphis, TN to Stanley Lee Merryman Sr. and Rozellind Welting Merryman. He attended Elliston Baptist Academy, where he played football. As an accomplished athlete, Stan also competed in U.S. and international tournaments with the Memphis Old No. 7 Rugby Club. He later became an avid cyclist, swimmer, marathoner, and triathlete, often finishing in the top 5 participants for his age group.

On Saturday, February 20, 1988, Stan married the love of his life, his "darling" Gwendolyn Crump Merryman. They had three sons, and built a life together in Byhalia, MS. Stan inspired and delighted them with his active imagination, artistic talent, playful personality, and love for learning. He modeled an exemplary work ethic for his sons by using his skills as a handyman, plumber, electrician, mechanic, and landscaper to renovate and care for their family homes in Byhalia, MS, Kilmichael, MS, and Selmer, TN alongside Gwen, friends, and family.

He applied that same industriousness to his career, which began at Chicago Bridge & Iron. Stan joined his father, Stan Sr., in the family business at Merryman Refrigeration. They also worked together at Hughes Heating & Cooling. Showing aptitude for mastering new technologies, Stan became a self-taught network engineer and the Control Department Manager for Hughes. Later, Stan managed the design and installation of building automation control systems as a Branch Manager at InnerSpace Strategies Inc. and Automation Operations Manager at EMCOR Services. Throughout his career, he was a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Stan walked humbly with The Lord as a committed lay leader, elder, evangelist, and student of theology. His strong faith ministered to the congregations of First Evangelical Church, Collierville Bible Church, and Kilmichael Baptist Church. Stan also boldly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ across the Mid-South through his words and actions, working alongside beloved fellow laborers in Evangelism Explosion, Awana, and The Gideons International.

Stan is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Gwendolyn, and three, proud sons, Jacob, Phillip, and Joseph; his mother, Rozellind, and siblings, Whendy, Kyle, and Chad; his daughters-in-law, Evelyn and Joy; and his granddaughter, Emma.

A celebration of Stan's life will be held on Saturday, November 30th at 12:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Arlington, TN (4761 Brunswick Road, Arlington, TN 38002).

Any donations on Stan's behalf may be made to The Gideons International.