Mr. Thomas E. Merrell , age 65, of Mineral Bluff, GA passed away on January 8, 2010 at Fannin Regional Hospital in Blue Ridge, GA. Mr. Merrell was born in Fannin County, GA on May 14, 1944 to the late Clifford and Geraldine Gibbs Merrell. He worked in construction as electrician and carpenter. Mr. Merrell was a member of Hothouse Baptist Church. Survivors include wife of forty-six years, Stella Dockery Merrell; sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Merrell, Jr. and Dawn of Mineral Bluff, GA, Richard Merrell and Denise of Blue Ridge, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda King and James of Blue Ridge, GA, Teresa Brown and Stanley of Blue Ridge, GA, Annette Craigo and Richard of Ellijay, GA; brothers, Billy Merrell and Harold Merrell both of Mineral Bluff and Clifford Merrell of Calhoun, GA; sister, Frances Chastain of Calhoun, GA; twelve grandchildren; two great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Asa Dockery officiating. Interment followed in the Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Christopher Merrell, Michael Merrell, Nathan Mashburn, Josh Merrell, Stanley Brown, Lynn Merrell and Ronnie Merrell. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. .