Lowell Blaine Merrill, 85, of Kelly Hunter Road, passed away, Saturday, January 14, 2023. He was a lifelong resident of Madison County and the son of the late Gay and Beulah Sams Merrill. Lowell retired from the US Postal Service after 37 years of employment and along with his wife, Avanell owned and operated Mars Hill Florist for several years. He loved gardening, farming, and was a beekeeper for over 50 years, earning the 2022 Madison County "Beekeeper of the Year" award.

In addition to his parents, Lowell was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Avanell Silver Merrill, and his brother, Lane Merrill.

He is survived by his sons, Eric Merrill (Rhonda) and Casey Merrill (Tammy); sister, Joyce Brigmon; grandchildren, Jared Merrill (Miranda), Katie Merrill (Kevin), Bailey Merrill; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11am Friday, January 20, 2023, at Bull Creek Missionary Baptist Church, of which he was a faithful member and served as a deacon for over 60 years. Reverends Jerry Shelton, Mendle Baker, and Kevin Boone will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Jared, Bailey, Tim, Jacob, and Jordan Merrill, and Kevin Sawyer will serve as pallbearers with Larry and Terry Hunter, and Charles Duncan serving as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Thursday at Blue Ridge Funeral Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org