Henry Crill Merryday, Jr., 93, of Tallahassee Fla., passed away peacefully at his home in the loving care of his family on Sunday, Feb. 23, following a brief illness. A fourth-generation Floridian, he was born in Madison, Fla., in April of 1926. He was the third of three children born to his parents Henry Crill Merryday, Sr. and Anne Dunbar Beggs. His early childhood was influenced greatly by the economic realities of the Great Depression and made it harder by the loss of his father when he was only six years old. He grew up working odd jobs to help the family make ends meet and from an early age developed a desire and willingness to help those in need, and learned the benefits of thrift, saving, and hard work.
Growing up in a small town surrounded with family members created deep family ties and life-long friendships. He graduated from Madison High School in 1944 and immediately following graduation enlisted in the Navy. After training he was assigned to the U.S.S. Chemung, an oil tanker in the 5th fleet. During WWII the Chemung served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. After the war ended, he saw a bit of the world with port of calls in India and South Africa as well as riding out a horrific typhoon off the coast of Japan.
Crill used his G.I. Bill to enroll at University of Florida where he studied accounting. During his second year of study his assistance was requested in running the family business, T.J. Beggs Funeral Home in Madison. Crill went to the Cincinnati College of Embalming, where he graduated and was certified as a licensed funeral director by the State of Florida.
While working at the funeral home he met the new high school science teacher, Danatta E. Jones. After a three-year courtship they were married, and thus began the love story that lasted 59 years until her death in 2013. Crill and Danatta raised three children, and helped raise eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. The Merryday's life revolved around family, church and helping friends and strangers who were fortunate enough to know them.
When other family members were able to step in to the funeral business, Crill, who was looking for an opportunity that wasn't available in Madison, took a Florida State job auditing companies in Illinois who were doing business in Florida. This meant a move to Chicago and some culture shock for two small-town Floridians.
The Merrydays moved back to Florida in 1959 and settled in Tallahassee where Crill began a career as a salesman for Robinson Business Forms. He traveled his sales district in North Florida, South Georgia and Alabama not only consistently being top salesman but forging deep friendships with his customers. He stayed with the company when it merged with Lewis Business Forms, eventually retiring as regional sales manager.
Soon after arriving in Tallahassee, the Merrydays joined Saint Paul's United Methodist Church where they had been members for 60 years, and life-long members of the Ed Wynn Sunday School Class. Crill and Danatta served in nearly every position available and were especially known for welcoming visitors and new members.
When Crill's sons Dana and Crill III joined Boy Scout Troop 115 at St. Paul's, he revived his scout career that got cut short when his scoutmaster was drafted in WWII. He eventually became scoutmaster himself and served the Suwannee River Area Council and the Order of the Arrow in numerous positions. For his service he was presented the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. Crill was proud of the 5 Eagle Scouts his sons and grandsons earned.
Crill enjoyed fishing, playing golf, gardening and checking daily stock reports but his passion was helping others. He used his accounting skills to help many in need of assistance or advice.
One of the few selfish pleasures Crill and Danatta enjoyed was an annual month-long stay at Mexico Beach. Friends and family (and even strangers) were invited to join them. They shared a great love of the beach and began a family beach vacation tradition that continues to this day.
Seven years ago, the light went out of his life when he lost his soulmate, Danatta. Together they were the rock of the family, served their church, the community, neighbors, or anyone who needed anything. They were a team of service. After years of missing her, he finally laid down his earthly cares and joined her in heaven. We will miss you but rejoice at your reunion!
He is survived by his children: Dana (Amy) Merryday, Crill (Jill) Merryday and Glenn (Marvin) Powell; grandchildren: Audrey (Wayne) Haas, Emily (Brent) Philpot, Justin (Samantha) Powell, Jordan (Grace) Powell, Clint (Catherine) Powell, Ben (Maggie) Merryday, Henry and Hugh Merryday; and nine great-grandchildren
A memorial will be held at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at 11 a.m. with visitation being held at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Methodist Children's Home of Madison.