William L. Merritt, III, 30, of Bridgeport, Alabama, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018.

Will was a 2006 graduate of North Jackson High School and a 2011 graduate of Huntingdon College, playing football for both schools. After earning his Bachelor's degree from Huntingdon, he taught and coached football at Wetumpka High School and later at North Jackson High School. He later worked in the construction trade as a pipefitter, Superintendant and structural Welder at both Georgia Torresfaction Technology and at Gestamp in Chattanooga. Will was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. H.L. & Mary Byrd Elmore, grandfather, William L. Merritt, Sr., and aunt, Jan Elmore.

He is survived by his parents, Lauria and Bill Merritt; brother, Matthew Merritt, all of Bridgeport, Alabama; the love of his life, Lilli Leadingham, of Montgomery, Alabama; grandmother, Virginia Merritt, of Bridgeport; future in-laws, Art and Michelle Leadingham, of Montgomery; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

The family will gather with friends for visitation from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Central time on Friday, January 26, 2018, at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg, on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Central time. Honorary pallbearers will be his former football teammates and his hunting & fishing buddies.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Will Merritt Memorial Fund, c/o FNB Bank, Scottsboro, Alabama.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.