JOHN “JOHNNY” MERRICKS III, 56 years of Hurley, VA, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, VA, following an extended illness that he fought hard. Born in Tazewell County, VA, he was the son of the late John Merricks II and Mary Magdalene “Mag” Lockhart Merricks. Johnny was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburg Steelers, Duke Blue Devils and Kyle Bush. He was the owner and operator of Merricks Towing, in which he so enjoyed meeting and helping people. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was a six year member of the New Hope Christian Church where he dearly loved his church family.

Mr. Merricks is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 32-Years, Cynthia “Ms. Cindy” Johnson Merricks, Hurley, VA, and his special K-9 Friend, Lexie, whom he watched the “Price is Right” with daily, 3-Sisters: Phyllis and husband Harry Scott, Vansant, VA, Ruth Selfe, Roanoke, VA, Mary Beth and husband Ricky Stiltner, Hurley, VA, 4-Nieces: Angelia Ward McClanahan, Grundy, VA, April Scott Wimmer, Dayton, OH, Emily Johnson, Warrenton, VA, Reagan Johnson,     Graham, NC, 1-Nephew: Jeremiah Johnson, Warrenton, VA

Also, survived by 1-Great-Niece and 3-Great-Nephews and a special Aunt, Betty Blankenship.

Funeral Services for JOHN “JOHNNY” MERRICKS III will be conducted Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the New Hope Christian Church with Evg. William L. Neeley officiating with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, VA.

Friends may call at the New Hope Christian Church Monday afternoon at 6:00 P.M. with services Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Ryan Lester, Randy Ashby, Jerry Justus, Ted Johnson, Randy Johnson and Jerry Hobbs.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Men of the New Hope Christian Church, James Blankenship, Bob Adkins, Harry Scott, Ricky Stiltner, Greg McClanahan, Brandon Wimmer and Wayne Wiseman.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.