William "W.D."

Merida

Reverend William Davis "W.D." Merida, a native of Frankville, Alabama, was born May 19, 1925 to the parentage of the late Mary E. Elliott and Will Merida. He departed this life September 12, 2015 at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, Mobile, AL. He was educated in the Washington County School System and furthered his studies at Selma University, Selma, Alabama.

At an early age, he united with the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church of Frankville where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He later united with the James Chapel Baptist Church in St. Stephens, Alabama for many years before leaving to serve as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Carson, Alabama. Upon retirement, he returned his membership to Mt. Bethel Baptist Church where he served as associate minister. He was a World War II Veteran of the United States Army from which he received an honorable discharge.

Merida loved traveling, fishing, photography, and artistic drawing. He will be remembered as an effective civil rights activist, loyal community leader, and dedicated Boy Scout master. He worked tirelessly as a member of the Frankville Progressive Club and received one of his most treasured honors in 2005 when he was inducted into the Washington County Hall of Fame. He was a successful business entrepreneur and retired as owner and operator of Merida's Monument and Masonry.

He was united in marriage to his high school love, Miss Rosie Lee Coker, and to this union seven children were born. He was preceded in death by a son, Emmitt Merida; and three sisters, Myrtle Pope, Louise Johnson, and Viola Donaldson.

Merida is survived by a loving and devoted family of two sons, Abdul (Marylin) Merida of Valrico, FL and Idris Merida of Frankville, AL; four daughters, Catherine (Gary) Lewis of Columbus, OH; Marie (William) Harris of Norfolk, VA; Amanda (Charlie) Dixon of Calvert, AL, and Stacy Merida of Nashville, TN; one sister, Ellarene Houze of Frankville, AL; one brother, Joe (Geraldine) Merida of Grove Hill (Toddtown), AL; daughter-in-law, Nell Merida of Calvert, AL; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, 3-6pm at Andrews Funeral Home. Viewing Saturday, 11am until the 12 noon service at Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Bethel Church Road, Frankville, AL;
the family will greet friends from 11:30am until the 12 noon service). Following military rites at graveside and burial in the church cemetery, the family will receive friends in the Rev. William T. Lang Fellowship Hall. Condolences to the family at www.andrewsfuneralhomejackson.com and on Andrews Funeral Home Facebook page.