Obituary of John Grady Merriman

John was our son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandpa who passed on to greener pasture peacefully with his family at home in Tucson, AZ. He attended Amphitheater school district schools, Wetmore Elementary, Amphi Jr High And Amphitheater High School. His athletic ability shined through school and beyond in football, bowling and basketball where he was always quick to jump in a pickup game. After high school John was the Co-Founder of Merriman's Southwest and then went on to manage American Fleet Service. He was also a founding member of the Redneck Yacht Club which is just what it sounds like. He loved 4 wheeling in the river beds and foothill late nights building bonfires that could be seen from a mile away. He'd often be found at Patagonia/Roosevelt/Apache/Holly lakes where he spent a lot of time fishing, camping, cooking and just being with family. Loved dove hunting, going to the county fair for corndogs, grilling ribs, cooking brauts in Budweiser beer, Peter Pipers game room, watching football, his bulldogs and NASCAR. He was known as the type of person who would give the shirt off his back to a friend in need, coming to the rescue of so many regardless what time of day/late night/early morning it was. He'd just show up without a complaint. John could also talk his way into or out of any situation, a hereditary gift from his father. He lead the family in his own way, instilling love and confidence in each one of us. He'll greatly be greatly missed. Proceeded in death by parents Jack and Jesse Merriman, Grandmother Jessie Wheeler-Adams and sister Charlotte Merriman. Survived by wife of 17 years Rhea Merriman, sister Pam Merriman, brother Sam Merriman, daughters Jacquelyn Wall, Kendall (Chaz) Merriman-Stringfield, niece Morgan Merriman, nephews Sam and Nick Hamlett. He was very proud of his 12 grandchildren, including adopting and raising two of them, Lindsey and Mason.