Merrill Ethan Ledford went to be with Jesus on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at his home surrounded by family.

Merrill was born on October 12, 1945 in Louisville, Ala., to France and Virginia Ledford. He was a graduate of Carroll High School in Ozark, and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy University.

Merrill taught high school history and civics at Escambia County High School until leaving for a second career with Alfa Insurance, where he retired in 2009. Merrill enjoyed the outdoors and loved competing in tennis tournaments throughout his life. He coached T-Ball and loved watching his sons play.

He loved to travel and was especially fond of New Orleans, cruising with his family and journeying to visit extended family for holidays and reunions.

Merrill had a passion for researching archives and fleshing out his family tree with names, dates and photos. He loved grilling outdoors, boiled peanuts and most of all Alabama football.

Merrill is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Fountain Ledford; one brother, Paul Andrew Ledford of Panama City, Fla.; four children, Kimberly Ledford Burley (Bruce), Richard Todd Ledford (Faith), Matthew Tyler Ledford and Michael Andrew Ledford; five grandchildren, Connor, Walker and Aubree Burley and Mason and Macray Ledford. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, from the First Assembly of God in Atmore with Bro. Don Davis officiating. Burial followed in Serenity Gardens Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers were Kenneth Fountain, Dudley Fountain, Glenn Fountain, Tony Fountain, Lee Fountain, and Leonard Sowell. Honorary pallbearers were Merrill’s special tennis friends, Walter Dewitt, Lou Vickery, John Strahle, Billy Madison, and Robert Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Flomaton High School Scholarship Fund, 21200 Highway 31, Flomaton, AL 36441.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., was in charge of arrangements.