William Leonard Merriman, Jr.

Savannah- William Leonard Merriman, Jr., 87, died Saturday, October 21st in Tallahassee, Florida.

He was born in Savannah, Georgia on December 5, 1918. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1937 and attended Georgia Institute of Technology before entering service in the U. S. Navy in 1941 during World War II. He served on an anti-sub patrol boat and in 1943 entered the U. S. Naval flight school. He graduated from flight school in 1945 shortly before the war ended. In 1946 he resigned his Navy commission and joined the U. S. Air Force 158th Fighter Squadron. He was called to active duty in 1950 during the Korean War as a replacement pilot for the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomb Wing. He flew 100 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon returning home, he transferred to the 117th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron serving as a flight instructor for the next 12 years before retiring as a Major.

He graduated from Armstrong Junior College in 1954 and became a well respected home builder for 30 years. He was a long time member of the Savannah Home Builder's Association including serving as past president. He was also a member of the Savannah Golf Club for over 50 years, the Tybee Island American Legion, Tybee Light Supper Club, Southside Kiwanis Club, Military Order of World Wars, and the First Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his three children: Nancy L. Merriman of Savannah, William L. Merriman, III of Savannah, Gary E. Merriman Lynn of Tallahassee, Florida; two grandsons, Michael and Brian of Tallahassee, Florida and his dear beloved friend Lanier J. Lanier of Tybee Island.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Ga. followed by a reception at the church.

Remembrances may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah, GA 31405 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.