Dr Merrell was born on February 18, 1935, on a farm near Crawfordsville, Arkansas. He was one of eight children born to Golda Barks Merrell and William Wesley Merrell.
He was a 1953 graduate of Forrest City High School where he played football and basketball and met his future wife, Ginny. In his junior and senior years, Forrest City High School won the regional championship in basketball, and Dr Merrell was named to the All-Region team. He was also a second team all-state football player.
After high school and marriage, Dr Merrell attended Ouachita Baptist College where he graduated in 1957. While there, Dr Merrell earned eleven letters across four sports (football, basketball, baseball and tennis), missing only his sophomore basketball season due to knee surgery. Dr Merrell also won the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference Doubles Championship and was co-captain of the football team during his senior year.
Following his Ouachita years, Dr Merrell served as an officer in the United States Army for two years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, attaining the rank of Captain before separating during a service draw-down and moving Ginny to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Curtis received his Master's Degree from Louisiana State University.
Dr Merrell then moved Ginny to Helena, Arkansas, where he taught math and coached football and basketball for seven years. While in Helena, Dr Merrell was the head basketball coach for three years (1960-63) at Helena-West Helena Central High, winning one state championship and the distinction of being named Arkansas' Outstanding High School Basketball Coach in 1961; assistant football coach from 1960-1963; and head football coach and athletic director from 1963-67. He often recalled his fortune to have coached such Arkansas Razorback notables as Ken Hatfield and Bill Gray, even giving Hatfield his start in coaching, albeit on a voluntary basis, for one full season while Coach Hatfield was waiting to report for active duty in the military.
Following his successes in Helena, Dr and Mrs Merrell moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Dr Merrell served as head resident at the University of Arkansas' Pomfret Hall (the largest, co-ed dorm at the time) and earned his Doctoral Degree in Education Administration in 1969.
This degree set Dr Merrell up to take a job in Monticello, Arkansas, in 1969, as Assistant Superintendent and director of a 10-county, federally-funded education service center in 1969-71, which was the precursor to the Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative. Dr Merrell then served as Superintendent of Monticello Public Schools from 1971-84, a time span that is second only to that of longtime Monticello Superintendent W. C. Whaley. Dr Merrell then became the Director of the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative in Pine Bluff in 1985, serving all of Southeast Arkansas until he retired from education in 2000.
Throughout his life, Dr Merrell had enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his young sons and wife, and he was a true conservationist at heart. Adopting what his family called "the second greatest love of his life," Dr Merrell formed an effort soon after retirement to reclaim and restore one of the great waterways in the state, and in October 1995 he, along with a band of other like-minded members, incorporated the Bayou Bartholomew Alliance which brought together concerned citizens, landowners and others who realize the importance of this unique southern stream that begins its journey northwest of the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and flows approximately 359 miles before crossing the Louisiana border on its way to joining the Ouachita River.
Due in large part to Dr Merrell's vision and leadership, the Bayou Bartholomew Alliance has received numerous state and federal grants, and won the Forest Conservationist of the Year in 2000 from the Arkansas Wildlife Foundation.
For his part, Dr Merrell was honored in 2004 by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution with their American Heritage and Conservation Award, presented to those who strive to restore and protect the natural beauty of the environment, and again in 2009 when he was named a Hero of Conservation by Field & Stream magazine. Commissioners from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also honored Dr Merrell when they formerly named a boat access ramp after him, near the head of his beloved Bayou in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Dr Merrell touched many lives, and bettered the world in many ways he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather; a man of leadership, vision and education; a Hero of Conservation; a lifelong Razorback fan; and also a man of tolerance and acceptance of others for what they brought to a team, a school, or society, regardless of their race, creed or color.
Dr Merrell is preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 54 years, Virginia (Ginny) Ramona Moody Merrell; his parents, William and Golda Merrell; his older brothers Cecil, Lewis (LC), Glenn, Virgil and Billy Merrell; and his older sister Alma Ruth Merrell Short.
Dr Merrell is survived by three sons, Colonel Scott Merrell (and wife, Alecia) of Lompoc, California; Craig Merrell (and wife, Andrea) of Oxford, Mississippi; and Drew Merrell (and wife, Kim) of Monticello; four grandsons, Peyton and Reid Merrell of Monticello, Andrew John (AJ) Merrell of Lompoc, California, and Luke Johnson of Oxford, Mississippi; four granddaughters, Aubrey Kate and Riley Elizabeth Merrell Hannah and Grace Johnson, all of Oxford Mississippi. Dr Merrell is also survived by his younger sister, Betty Jo Griffith, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Dr Merrell's family requests that donations be sent to the Bayou Bartholomew Alliance (Address: Bayou Bartholomew Alliance, 7233 Camden Cutoff Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 - or visit http://www.arkansas.gov/bba/) .
Condolences(37)
Cat French
Littlle Rock, AR Tuesday, August 3, 2021 I will miss Dr. Merrill along with the rest of his Arkansas friends. My thoughts & prayers go out to his loved ones. He took a chance on me at ARESC in 1986 and encouraged my continued education throughout the eleven years that I was there. My career took off because of his guidance. Children, educators, and the community have been blessed by his work. He was a great man.Cathy “Cat” French
Arlie King
Sunrise Beach, MO Sunday, October 4, 2015 RIP Coach. Great Teacher during Helena days. He was a class act. So sorry to hear of his passing. Love to the Family.Max McElmurry
Batesville, AR Monday, December 15, 2014 A good man and a true friend for 60. + years! Room mate at Ouachita in old River Rats army barracks. Remained in close contact over the years and met annually at Gold Tiger reunions. Going to miss him. Curtis became so totally committed to the Bayou Bartholomew project that I would call at Arkadelphia on my way to Dallas and Curtis would not quit talking until I got to Hope!I'll say again, I'm gonna miss him!
Sherry Carson
Monticello, AR Sunday, December 14, 2014 Sending my thoughts and prayers to you all . May God Bless and comfort you in His loving arms and give you strength and peace.debbie christian
south padreisland, TX Sunday, December 14, 2014 i knew coach merrell since i was a little girl he was one of my dads best friends i can rememeber spending alot of good times at there house so sad to hear prayers going out to his familyCharles Tardy
El Dorado, AR Saturday, December 13, 2014 Coach Merrell was a fine teacher and a good friend to us High School kids. I got to know him well when he coached the football team in 1961. After I graduated, I joined the U. S. Army Reserve and Coach Merrell was the Commanding Officer. He always was a very fair man who treated everyone with respect. They don't make too many like him and I feel honored to have been there to learn a lot of life lessons from him. Rest in Peace, Coach. You earned it....Janet Griffith
Spring Hill, FL Saturday, December 13, 2014 He will be missed and remembered.Bill Gray
Farmington, AR Saturday, December 13, 2014 Great coach and grest person. Lead us to a state basketball championship my senior year. RIP, coachJeep and Judy Denison
Franklin, TN Friday, December 12, 2014 Judy and I have many fond memories of Coach Merrell and Jinny, during their time in Helena. I appreciated his confident manner and encouragement to me around tennis, basketball, and football. He was a positive influence for all who knew him early into his career, and that clearly followed him through out his life. Thank you, CoachGaye Merrell
Magnolia, AR Friday, December 12, 2014 Scott, Craig, and Drew: We are deeply sorry for your loss -- for all our family's loss. May God hold you even closer now as you miss both parents.Freida Merrell Wood
Gaye Merrell
Kelly Merrell
Clyde Merrell
Don Eastman
West Helena, AR Friday, December 12, 2014 I was a transfer from a small parochial school in Helena (Sacred Heart Academy) to Central High in 1961 and played basketball for him. I had never had a male teacher until that time and he was one of the best! God bless you Coach Merrell.Gayle Bone
Little Rock, AR Friday, December 12, 2014 Sorry to hear about Curtis' passing. We were fellow students at Ouachita. Played basketball together. Always enjoyed seeing him at reunions at Ouachita, etc. Praying for the family.Larry Johnston
, AR Friday, December 12, 2014 I had great respect for Dr.Merrill as a school administrator and as a person. I'm prayerful for his family.George L. Pugh, Sr.
Portland, AR Friday, December 12, 2014 Dr. Curtis Merrell and I share a deep concern about Bayou Bartholomew. I was very happy when Curtis called me to serve on his Board.I grew up on the Bayou, learned to swim in the Bayou, learned to fly fish and caught small mouth bass in the Bayou. I even drank out of the springs along the banks of the Bayou.
Yes, I told Curtis many times that his interest in Bayou Bartholomew made me happy! His interest grew through the years, but he could never get the funds needed to clean up the Bayou; that didn't stop him from trying!
Curtis leaves behind a project that needs to be finished and I hope the younger generation can find a leader who can keep the Bayou Project on course to the finish.
I am very thankful for the work which Dr. Curtis Merrell did for Southeast Arkansas. I hope his dream will come true, for I will be buried on the banks of Bayou Bartholomew --- and I will be watching!
George L. Pugh, Sr.
John Seeman
Memphis, TN Thursday, December 11, 2014 My coach at Helena Central High, mild-mannered and respected by all !Joe Thompson
Bentonville, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 Man of character and an inspiration. I remember him well, coaching our football team on Friday night and then teaching my Sunday School class on Sunday morning. He will be missed.larry killett
denham springs, LA Thursday, December 11, 2014 Was sadden to hear about Coach Merrell. My prayers go out to his family at their loss. He was my coach for two years and I have never forgotten him. He has a place in my thoughts and heart.Donnie Hill
Sheridan, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 Drew my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless you during this time of loss.Dennis jacks, MD
Pine bluff, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 It was a privilege to have known Dr Merrell over the years. He was always so kind and gracious and will be missed.Bobby&margretGilliam
Shreveport, LA Thursday, December 11, 2014 Margaret &Bobby Ellis Gilliam are so sorry for all ofhis family and friends. Our Prayers are for all of you.
gayle holland keirsey
west helena, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 I am so sorry for your family's loss . Dr. Merrell, I knew him as Coach Merrell, taught me math at Central High School. I remember that he was one of the nicest, most polite teachers that I had. I did not know he went on to become such a distinguished, and accomplished person, although, I am not surprised. I count it a blessing to have known him and had him for a teacher. Gayle KeirseyPatsy McDermott Scavo
Hot Springs, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 So sorry to hear and grateful to have talked with him about his beloved Bayou Barthlomew...........he will be missed by all who knew him.Josh and Angie Frost
Savannah, GA Thursday, December 11, 2014 Drew, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great man and I always welcomed and enjoyed each opportunity I had to visit with him. He was a vital part of our community and state, and his loss will be felt by many. Prayers for you and your family, as you seek comfort during this difficult time.Jack Carson
Southaven, MS Thursday, December 11, 2014 i remember "Coach" Merrell from a 10th or 11th grade math class. It was one of my easiest math classes because "Coach" was such a good teacher. I still remember much of the Geometry he taught us.Jay Sheffield
Germantown, TN Thursday, December 11, 2014 We knew, way back then, what a great man our Coach Merrell was, and was going to be.Jimmy & Donna V. Hill
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 To the family - you are all in our thoughts & prayers during the difficult days ahead. Dr. Merrell was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be missed by so many.Love, Jimmy & Donna
Nannice Hornor
Rogers, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 So sorry to hear about this. Coach Merrill was one of the most beloved teachers I had, such a fine man. My condolences to his family.Nannice Hornor
Charles and Anne Allen
Little Rock, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 We join the legions of others in sadness with our loss of Curtis Merrell. We have known and worked with Curtis for more than 30 years. He was the consummate advocate for education, student/sports activities, and our environment. He poured his heart and soul into those notable projects that were near and dear to him and many others. His worthy legacy will live on for the betterment of our collective futures. Yes, we will miss him. We send our thoughts and prayers to his other friends and his family. Charles and Anne AllenSmokey Campbell
Hot Springs, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 I was one of many that had the opportunity to be coached by Coach Merrell. I will never forget our first game in the State Basketball Tournament in 1961-we fell behind and Coach Merrell called timeout-all he said was, it was time we get serious-no hollering or screaming-just get serious. He was a special man and I will miss him as I know his family will-My thoughts and prayers are with you.Janice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, December 11, 2014 Scott, Craig & Drew,I am so sad for your loss. Your dad was such a wonderful man, father, grandfather, administrator and a true friend to all. He has truly left a great legacy and I know so many wonderful memories for you all. May God surround you with his loving arms to give you peace and comfort. My prayers for your entire family.
With love & sympathy,
Janice Wiggam
Hope Bragg
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Curtis is a man that will always be remembered fondly. His passion for the environment, history, and family will be how I will always see him. I will miss serving with him on various boards and societies, or simply seeing him at the sidelines of ball games! You are all in our thoughts and prayers Drew and familyChuck Dovish
AETN-PBS Conway, AR Wednesday, December 10, 2014 We're deeply saddened here at AETN upon the news of Dr. Merrell's passing. While filming the documentary on Bayou Bartholomew, Dr. Merrell became a dear friend and touched our hearts in a very special way. We all had hoped that someday he'd see his dream come true for the bayou to be protected in Arkansas. But, the Lord had other plans and called him home. We'll deeply miss him.Robin Johnson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 10, 2014 I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I would see him every morning at the post office and always in a great mood. My heart goes out to each of you.Pat Scifres Montgomery
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 10, 2014 My thoughts and prayers are with the families.Sarah Blackmon
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 10, 2014 I am deeply saddened by the death of Curtis Merrell, and my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss. I regret that I will be unable to attend his services, but I will be out of town. I have good memories of teaching in Monticello while he was superintendent, and remember with pleasure teaching Scott and Craig.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 9, 2014 My sympathy is extended to the Merrell family. Dr. Merrell was a remarkable person. He excelled in so many facets of his life. I am fortunate to have known him and to have worked with him.Jane Summerford
, AR Tuesday, December 9, 2014 So sorry for your loss. Prayers as you go through the death of your dad and loved one as we approach the Christmas season.