Merrell Denny Wilson

Merrell Denny Wilson age 78 of Stearns, Kentucky passed from this life on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Center.

He was born April 28, 1945 in Strunk, Kentucky to the late Murry R. Wilson and Myrtie (Spradlin) Wilson. In addition to his parents, Merrell is preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd, Mitchell, Murvin, Murton, and Marshall Wilson and sisters, Ardilla Wilson, Cordelia Foster, and Macie Stephens.

Surviving family include his wife, Beverly (Meadows) Wilson whom he married July 11, 1996; daughters, Theresa Chamberlin, Robin Solomon (and Terry), Loretta Moses, and Faye Duncan (and Scott); sisters, Milicia Wilson and Mittie Broach; special nephews Murton Wilson and Denny Stephens; and many nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are Merrell’s grandchildren that he loved dearly, Chad Chamberlin (and Michelle), Chasity Chamberlin, Kimberly Reed (and Rob), Lesley Brown (and Trace), Ashley Lay (and Eric), Lauren Strunk (and Jon), Rachel Goad, and Tanner Stephens (and Ashton); great-grandchildren, Marcus, Jace, Taybor, Haylee, Elizabeth, Meghan, Zayvierra, Olivia, Jazmyn, Madison, Katie, Hayden, Halle, Harper, Tripp, Logan, and Weston; and one great-great-grandchild, Annalayah.

Merrell was a Veteran of the United States Army, having served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Old Jellico Creek Baptist Church and had made his living as a coal miner as well as a life insurance agent. In his own time, he enjoyed being outdoors, hunting ginseng and yellow root, and playing golf. But above all hobbies, Merrell loved nothing more than spending time with children, especially his grandbabies.    

Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Bro. Max Cox officiating. Burial to follow in the Old Jellico Creek Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday after 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home.

Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.