Rev. Billy Gene Merrell, Sr., age 74 of Mineral Bluff, GA passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017 in Mineral Bluff, GA. He was born on May 31, 1942 in Mineral Bluff, GA to the late Clifford Merrell and Geraldine Gibbs Merrell. He was a Baptist minister for a number of years and member of Mineral Bluff Lodge #483 F&AM. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lillian Merrell Pope.He is survived by his wife, Louvinna Merrell; sons, Ronnie (Louise) Merrell, Johnny (Lisa) Merrell, and Billy Merrell, Jr.; daughters, Linda (Mike) Jarrett and Carol Towe; brothers, Harold Merrell and Pete Merrell; a sister, Francis Chastain; 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Funeral Services were conducted on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 3:00 pm from the Chapel of Akins Funeral Home with Rev. Russell Burt and Rev. Mickey Wheeler officiating. Interment followed in Hot House Baptist Church Cemetery with the following grandsons and gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Josh Merrell, Jonathan Merrell, Eric Merrell, Jeremiah Jarrett, Austin Towe, William Burns, Dennis White and Alvin Towe. Honorary pallbearers will be: Devin Merrell, Rodney Merrell, Shane Piper and Adam Piper. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to help defray final expenses. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. . SERVICES Funeral Service Tuesday, February 21, 2017 3:00 PM Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge 7871 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513