MERRIMAN, Homer Virgil, was born 16 September 1891 to Mr. and Mrs. James Harris MERRIMAN in Wayne County, Tennessee. His mother was the former Frances CYPERT of Wayne County. Homer’s mother died when he was only two years old, but he had many older brothers and sisters: Jim, Dave, Walter, Dodge, Tom, Lizzie, Roxie, Clara, Kate, and Jennie. Those brothers and sisters loved and raised Homer to be a fine young man.
James Harris MERRIMAN, the father, lived to be 84 years old in Wayne County, Tennessee.
Homer met Maudie S. SIMS a young lady in Wayne County, Tennessee. But his life was interrupted by World War I. In the year 1917 this young man went off to war. He was discharged in 1918 with a disability and an honorable discharge. Homer and Maudie married in a fine buggy in front of a church on Hardin Creek. They made their home on Hardin Creek. Homer farmed and had stock as many young couples at that time.
In 1927 this couple had a baby, unnamed, born at home. This was called a still birth and no reason was given as this happened in those days. Still on the farm in 1928, April 3rd a new baby boy was born to Homer and Maudie, named Virgil Harris. He was a healthy baby and kept them busy.
In 1935 this family of three moved to Waynesboro, Tennessee where Maudie still resides.
Dodge, Walter and ____MERRIMAN had a “D. E. MERRIMAN & Co.” feed store on the square. Homer joined his brothers in this successful business. For some 50 years this was the gathering place for young and old. Many crops were planted and harvested around the woodstove in the winter. Stories were told while tobacco was spit at the hot ashes at the stove door. They bought and sold cows, chickens, mules and billy goats. A real growing experience for the boys who would listen.
Virgil met and married Erma Lee VICKERY on 1 June 1952. They have a son, James Harris who was born 31 October 1953.
Homer retired in 1955 from the feed store due to his health. He led a quiet life at home until 8 January 1966. He passed away at his home with his family around him. A quiet funeral with many friends and a large family of nieces and nephews. He is buried at Shields Cemetery here in Wayne County. Homer’s grandson, James Harris, now has a beautiful daughter, JaNell and a baby boy named Daniel Harris MERRIMAN.