KINGSLEY — Clifford Leroy Merrick, 90, of Kingsley, died tragically Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, in a fire that destroyed his home. Cliff died with his loving pets, Chichi, Tequila and Pepper. Clifford was the son of the late James and Bessie (Williams) Merrick, of Westfield, Ill., born on Dec. 20, 1921.
He graduated from Westfield High School, Davenport Business College and the Dale Carnegie Institute.
In 1941 Cliff married Margaret Lois Bjork. He is survived by their children, Nancy (Ron) Olson, James (Pat) Merrick, Betty (Arnold) Broos, Richard Merrick and Jo Ann "Buzzy" Merrick (Michael Koryto); brother, Arthur (Shirley) Merrick; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and special family friend, Rick Conley.
At the time of his death Cliff was married to the former Sally Rancour, who survives. He is also survived by her son, Chris Ahart; and two grandchildren.
Cliff was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge as part of Patton's Third Army. He was also among the first forces that liberated Dachau Concentration Camp.
Cliff was a State Farm Insurance agent in Traverse City for 48 years.
He was a lifetime member of the Elks, VFW and American Legion, as well as a past member of the Masons, Shriners, Optimists and Traverse City Golf and Country Club.
In the 1960s Cliff built and operated the first golf course at what is now the Grand Traverse Resort.
Cliff enjoyed golf, gardening, caring for his animals and winning at cards.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Margaret; brothers, Wilbur and Herman; and sister, Frances.
A memorial service will be held on July 21, 2012. Arrangements will be announced by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Traverse City Junior Golf Association, 310 West Front Street, Suite 201, Traverse City, MI 49684
Please share your thoughts with the family at Cliff's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Obituaries
February 5, 2012
Clifford L. Merrick
- Obituaries
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- Neil Roy Perry
- Ruby Lee Culver
- Lorraine Dean 'L.D.' Hoaglund
- Marilyn G. Gray
- Margaret Doris Quist
- Earl K. Parsons Jr.
- Julie A. Davis
- May 29, 2012
- Rick T. Harman
- Stanley S. Szerlong
- May 28, 2012
- Richard D. Fisk
- Elizabeth A. 'Betty' Aichler
- May 27, 2012
- Jane Norcross
- Wilma E. Clarke
- Rosanne Light
- Thomas J. McDuffie
- Dorothy A. Kortokrax
- Juanita Van Valin
- May 26, 2012
- Marjorie Centilli
- Harlan S. Hosler
- May 25, 2012
- Doris Mildred Coupe
- Irene Lucille Cole
- May 24, 2012
- Sally C. Leak
- Vern R. Vance
- John 'Jack' H. Dingeman
- Mollie R. Weeks
