Johnny George Merrill

Mr. John George Merrill, 82, of Newnan passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Monday, October 16, 2023, after several years of declining health. He was born to the late James F. Merrill and Anna Porter Merrill, on a dairy farm near Galesburg, KS, on July 31, 1941. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister. John graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He married Martha Bolander Merrill in Parsons, KS, on August 31, 1962. He went on to earn a B.S. degree from Kansas State College in Pittsburg, K in 1965. He worked as an accountant for several years, as well as in real estate and land development. He served in the Missouri National Guard for 6 years and was honorably discharged in 1971. In 1982, he pursued his life-long love for nature, hands-on work, and personal fulfilment with a second bachelor's degree in Forest Management at Auburn University, in Auburn, AL. After graduating in 1985, he was employed by the Georgia Forestry Commission in Athens. The family moved to Newnan in 1991, when he was promoted to District Forester. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters, and a longtime member of the Lovejoy Memorial United Methodist Church in Newnan, where he served on the Board of Trustees and sang in the choir. After 30 years with the Forestry Commission, he retired in 2013. John was an intelligent, immensely capable man both in his professional and personal life, always at work on a project-or three, from pouring concrete, hanging drywall, installing plumbing and/or electricity for a new addition to his home, planting (more) trees and shrubs in the yard, or building (more) shops for his equipment and tools, crafting benches and birdhouses. Embodying the idea of "the Handyman," he assisted less capable community members by building handicap ramps and working on Habitat for Humanity houses. He enjoyed gardening, woodburning, camping, hiking to waterfalls and whitewater rafting. A Celebration of Life/ Memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Lovejoy Memorial United Methodist Church, 60 East Washington, Newnan, GA, with Pastor Sue Berg officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Lovejoy MUM Church. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com . Survivors include a son, Wesley D. Merrill and wife Elaine of Commerce, GA; daughters Amy L. Merrill of Newnan and Christine D. Knuckey and husband Peter of New Zealand; grandchildren, Nathan T. Merrill of Commerce, Logan R. and TeHana M. Knuckey of New Zealand. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Johnny George Merrill

July 31, 1941 - October 16, 2023