Billy W. Merchant's Obituary
Funeral services for Billy W. Merchant, 81, of Anacoco will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2014 in the First Baptist Church of Anacoco with Rev. D.R. Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Mitchell Cemetery in Anacoco under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 6, 2014 from 6:00p.m. until 9:00p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00a.m. until service time in the church.
Mr. Merchant went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 4 at his home in Anacoco.
Mr. Merchant was a lifelong educator who dedicated 40 years of his life teaching school, 23 years of which were at Anacoco School. He was a very humble man who loved his students and positively impacted many of their lives. He had a passion for raising animals and raised all kinds throughout his life. He made many lifelong friends through the love of his animals. He took great pride in hosting tours for both children and adults on his animal farm. He enjoyed helping train the Anacoco 4-H poultry judging teams and helped them receive top honors for many years. He loved his Family and friends, and loved to sit and drink coffee with all who came to visit him.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Gatha McInnis Merchant; One Daughter: Jamie Ann Merchant; His Father: Cleatus W. Merchant; and his Mother: Wanda Baker Merchant Snell.
He is survived by his sons: Jim Merchant; Patrick Merchant and wife Danna; Tommy James and wife Greta all of Anacoco; Mother-in-law: Joyce McInnis of Anacoco; His Grandchildren: Jessica Holman and husband Brian of Ragley; Lynsea Mitchell and husband Jody of Singer; Brittany Merchant, Morgan James, and Blake James all of Anacoco; He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
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