Mr. Michael "Buster" Shayne Merrill's Obituary
Michael “Buster” Shayne Merrill, age 71, of Antioch, Tennessee, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Monday, April 16, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Janice Bianchi; one daughter, Jennifer Merrill and her fiancé, Patrick Darin; one brother, Thomas “Butch” Merrill; one sister, Becky (Dan) Morgan; step daughter, Glenda (Steve) Perkins; numerous nieces and nephews; best friends, Buddy Ray, Charlie Hankins, and Steve Holliday.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Marie Hyde; Step-father, James “Jimmy” R. Hyde; one brother, Kenneth “Biff” Merrill.
Buster was born and raised in Nashville, TN and was a graduate from East Nashville High School class of 1965. Buster served as a Combat Engineer in the 7th Marine BN, 1st Marine Division. He served one tour in Vietnam and earned the Vietnamese Service Medal and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal. He was Honorably Discharged as a Corporal from the United States Marine Corps in 1968. Buster traveled all over the United States, including the Virgin Islands, working in construction. He was the best wall covering hanger and hung all the wall covering in 50 plus assisted living homes in Illinois. Buster enjoyed working in his shed and riding on his 1959 Cushman Eagle that he got when he was 12 and reconditioned to its original state when he retired. A fun-loving guy, Buster enjoyed being adventurous, having a great time, and always had a joke ready. Being an avid reader kept him up on many things. “Man, that’s good!” he would comment on everyone’s cooking. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and always found the positive in any situation. He fought hard and proved many doctors wrong during his illness. Buster was the uncle and friend that everyone wanted to have and will be missed by many.
Visitation for Buster will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 4 PM until 8 PM and again on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 11 AM until 12 PM at which time a Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted from the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN, 37216. Entombment will follow in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, A Nashville landmark since 1785, “Where Nashville Comes to Remember”
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