Merrill E. Whitehead of Raymond, MS went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. He was 74.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 1: 00 PM to 2:45 PM with the funeral service to begin at 3:00 PM at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton , MS. with Bro. Wayne Kimbrough from Salem Baptist Church in Learned, MS officiating. There will be no graveside service.

Merrill was born in Jackson, MS on October 18, 1942 to the late Charles and Lois Whitehead of Raymond, MS. He went to school in Raymond & enlisted in the U S Navy at the age of sixteen and served his country for four years. He was employed by Letourneau Mfg., Vicksburg , MS for many years and retired from Rowan Drilling Co as a rig engineer. Merrill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. To attest to his skills he had more wall trophies than wall space to display them. He had excellent carpentry skills and was always ready to assist anyone in need of his help. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church in Learned, MS.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Shannon Gray Whitehead and his parents Charles and Lois Whitehead.

Merrill is survived by his sons: Andy Whitehead and Neal (Woody) Whitehead. Step-sons: Brent Gray, Jeff (Barbara) Gray, Michael (Cheryl) Gray. Brother: Doyle Ray (Ollene) Whitehead. Grandchildren: Paige (Brandon) Butler, Brett Whitehead, Kaelyn (Dakota) Quave. Step-Grandchildren: Lydia (Ben) Dugan, Heather Gray, their Mother, Connie Allen, John Gray, Eli Gray, Tucker Gray. Great Grandchildren: Whitney Quave and Gabrielle Quave.

The family extends their appreciation to the staff of Hospice Ministries, Ridgeland, MS for their care during the last month of his life.