Gary Lee Merrill

Gary Lee Merrill – September 5, 1942, to October 6, 2024

On October 6, 2024, Gary Lee Merrill passed away at the age of 82. Throughout his life he was a devoted husband, loving father, gifted teacher, and faithful friend. Gary was born September 5, 1942, in Wickenburg, Arizona and spent his youth in Wickenburg and Prescott.

An average student, Gary was intrigued by mathematics and with the encouragement of his high school teachers decided to pursue a college degree at Arizona State University. While at ASU he participated in ROTC, met his future wife, Linda Mae Dougan, and completed his studies in Math Education. During this time, he also became a Christian and began a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and service to his local church.

Gary and Linda married in July of 1964 and their family soon grew to include a son, Nathan, and a daughter, Sonya. His family was a source of joy for him. He and Linda recently celebrated 60 years of marriage; partners in life, ministry and adventure. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and did anything he could to encourage them in their chosen professions. He freely offered guidance, support and a listening ear. He loved family game night and was always up for a road trip or hike.

By 1967 the family had moved to Chandler, Arizona where Gary began a 40-year career with the Chandler School District. Hired to replace the head of the Math department at Chandler Junior High School, Gary stepped quickly into a leadership role. With a dry wit, a calm demeanor, and a deep reserve of patience, Gary not only taught countless students, but also mentored and supported his colleagues. Gary continued his studies and earned his master’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and eventually worked as the Dean of Students at Anderson Junior High and then as a math teacher at Chandler High School. After his official retirement, Gary continued to teach and provide administrative support to area schools on a part-time basis.

Gary was committed to sharing his love of Christ with others and freely gave of his time and his gifts to every church of which he and Linda were members. He coordinated Vacation Bible School, served on numerous committees, and was a member of the elder board at Bethany Community Church. He will likely be best remembered for his 40 years of devoted service to the Fellowship of Light Sunday school class. Gary faithfully shared his love of scripture with the class, teaching from nearly every book of the bible, connecting the truth of the Bible to everyday experiences and offering practical application. He modeled what it meant to be a servant of Christ by visiting class members when they were sick or unable to attend church and meeting frequently with others to offer support and wise counsel. Gary took the great commission, Christ’s call to share to share the good news of salvation to all people, to heart and used his time and resources to support missionaries across the globe. He personally participated in several mission trips, venturing as far as Chad, Africa to minister to others.

In his leisure time Gary enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. He visited all 50 states, Canada, Israel, parts of Europe, Africa and Central and South America. He was a member of the Phoenix Chess Club. He maintained an immaculate yard and cared for the lawns of his neighbors. He loved humor and was very quick with a laugh or a smile and he marveled at the beauty of creation. He welcomed any opportunity to visit with someone, share a meal, or play a card game.

During his later years Gary struggled with dementia. We are thankful that during this time he was surrounded by family and friends who loved him and cared for him. He was able to live at home throughout this time and his final illness was mercifully short.

Gary frequently spoke of how beautiful he expected heaven to be, and we rejoice that he is now in the presence of God and enjoying heaven’s unfathomable glory.

Gary is preceded in death by his father, Robert Chase Merrill, his mother, Catherine Louise Harrington Merrill, his twin sister Gay, and his brother Brian. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Merrill, his son Nathan Merrill and his daughter Sonya (Mark) Brown.

A Memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 9 on the Tempe campus of Sun Valley Community Church, 6101 S. River Drive. A reception and time of fellowship will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Salvation Army or to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Falconer Funeral Home will be handling services.