Brady Rex Merrill; our beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on November 26th at his home in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 40.
Brady is survived by his wife, Shannil; his four children Presley, Stella, Brynlee, and Jackson. He is also survived by his mom, Brenda; and his siblings Chad, Amy, Jake, Jenny, and Katie. He is predeceased by his dad, Fred Rex Merrill.
Brady was born on March 25th,1974 in Mesa, AZ to Fred and Brenda; he was the second oldest of six children.
Brady was passionate about life and always up for a challenge. He was an entrepreneur from a young age. He started his first lemonade stand business at 8, then promoted himself to mowing lawns and detailing neighbors cars. From newspaper routes to owning a computer business with his brother, Chad; Brady spent his lifetime making a career out of things he really enjoyed doing. His most recent business was ownership of Forum Office Chairs, LLC., where he spent his time refurnishing and selling high end office chairs.
Brady found enjoyment in life in whatever he did. One of his greatest attributes was his desire for fun, enjoyment, and laughter. He was passionate about many things. He was amazed and awed by his beautiful children and their Christlike attributes. He loved every moment he spent with them, and it was truly apparent from anyone who watched him interact with them. He was passionate in his love for his wife, who was his best friend. He was incredibly passionate about music! It was quite rare to see him without headphones on and a song on his lips. He loved all children and had a special tender place in his heart for the elderly. His connection to the innocence was unique and refreshing. He truly enjoyed to be in their company. He had the greatest laugh!! He was absolute sunshine for all those around him, always looking for the next laugh.
One of the most endearing things about Brady was his deep love and friendship with His Savior, Jesus Christ. Anyone who knew Brady knew how much he loved and relied on His Savior. Like all of us, Brady had his trials; but knowing His Savior personally and deeply was never a matter of question for Brady. He was and is an amazing example for all his loved ones.
There aren’t enough words or sentiments to begin to encompass how influential Brady has been on all of us left behind. It is unimaginable to look ahead to an earthly lifetime without him. He was always someone who genuinely cared, loved, and appreciated his family, friends, and those around him. We love you more than can possibly be expressed, Brady. We pray that you are looking down on all of us and fully understanding the deep love and feelings that we are incapable of fully expressing. Please watch over your wife, children, and family until we can all be together again one day.
Funeral services will be Friday, December 5, 2014 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa 76th Ward, 1911 N. 24th Street, Mesa, Arizona. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.
I’m so sorry to hear about this! I can’t imagine the void a loss like this leaves! My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Katie and her family!
We will always remember him as a great missionary who served literally with all his heart, might, mind & strength. Thankful for his lifes example and for blessing & changing the lives of so many filipino families. Till we meet again brother!
My deepest heartfelt condolences to your family! Brady and I haven’t talked much since our time together in the Philippines, but I’ll always remember the lessons I learned from him about love and friendship and not taking the small things in life too seriously. Godspeed, Brady.
To Mr. Merrill’s family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. It’s my hope that you can draw comfort and strength from Jehovah God’s promises in the Bible. Revelation 21: 3, 4 and John 5: 28, 29 show that there will soon be a time when there will be no more pain, sickness, or death, and we will see our loved ones we have lost again. Please accept my deepest condolences.