Freddie Bryan Merrell, 84, passed away at Medical City , Denton , December 30, 2020 . He was born Saturday, December 12, 1936 , in a three room shack in Floyd County, Texas, belonging to his granddad, Roscoe Lackey. Also living in the home were his mother, Dorothy Belle Lackey Merrell, his father Walter Merrell, grandmother Edna Lackey, aunt Dora Faye Lackey and uncle Jack Lackey. There was no electricity or running water. Later the family moved to a farm outside Lockney , Texas where Fred graduated from High School.

He married Barbara Hays on March 25, 1955 . They had three children – Kathy, Nicky and Cayleen.

Fred started as a route salesman with Frito-Lay. He retired after over 40 years as a contract negotiator at the headquarters in Plano .

He enjoyed playing golf with friends and family. He was a voracious reader most of his life. His love of knowledge and keen mind for numbers made for fun spelling bees and math challenges on long car rides when his children were young.

After retirement, Fred enjoyed playing bridge at the Senior Center in Denton . He made lots of friends around the card table.

Fred was a loving, caring, hard working man. He never met a stranger and was loved by people he came in contact with. Fred and Barbara are members of Southmont Baptist Church , Denton .

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Merrell of Argyle, two daughters Kathy Hamilton (husband, Joe) of Roanoke, Texas, Cayleen Kolb (husband Py) of Argyle, Texas, sister Carolyn Jones of San Marcos, Texas. He has four grandchildren – Justin Hamilton, Dustin Merrell, Jason Merrell and Barbara-Scott Kolb. He is also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his son, Nicky Merrell and his parents, Walter and Dorothy Merrell.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.