William “Bill” Edwin Merkley

LOUISVILLE - William “Bill” Edwin Merkley, 84, of Louisville passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 3, 2024, while vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

He was born February 21, 1940, in Louisville, to Joseph Charles Merkley and Marie Pauline Schum Merkley.

Bill graduated from Flaget High School in 1958 before going on to serve his country as a Sergeant at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas in the Army Reserve 100th Training Division. Bill ultimately joined the family business, starting with sweeping floors and washing counters before assuming ownership of Merkley Kendrick Jewelers where he was a mentor, a leader and a friend to all who passed through the doors until he officially retired in 2011 after a 50 year career. During his tenure he earned the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the Gemological Institute of America and served on the board of Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society. With all of Bill’s successful business endeavors, he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family.

Bill was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for over 53 years, the Knights of Columbus Bishop Spalding Council, American Turners, St. Martin’s Brotherhood, and the Harrods Creek Boat Owners Association and volunteered his time at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. He was an avid boater enjoying time on one of his many beloved “La Jolla” boats cruising the Ohio River surrounded by family and friends. Many memories and stories entail time with Bill on the river. He knew how to live life to its fullest and enjoy every moment making special memories that would become his legacy. He always had a smile on his face and was ready to befriend and share a beer with any stranger he met, preferably one they paid for.

Bill met the love of his life, Carolyn Kremer, whom he dated for 5 years before they were married on September 3, 1966, at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church. Spending over 60 years together, Bill and Carolyn built a foundation of faith, family, and love that will carry on for generations. He may have been a man of few words when it came to affairs of the heart but everyone knew that they were deeply loved and he took great pride in his family.

In addition to his parents, Bill is also preceded in death by his brother Donald J. Merkley and many of his in-laws and adopted extended family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; children, Nanette Merkley Vale (Chris), William Edwin Merkley II, Brian Merkley (Julie Dreisbach), and Dawn Merkley McCubbin (Jeff); grandchildren Rebecca Vale Lanham (Alex), Aaron, Ashlyn (JP Prince) and Jordan Vale; Blake (Lauren), Alex, Samantha and Brooke Merkley, Ella and Estey Dreisbach; Luke, Caroline, and Will McCubbin, many inlaws and outlaws as well as nieces and nephews who fondly remember him as Uncle Bill, along with the multitude of friends he made at KofC, St. Martin’s Brotherhood, and the CRHP Men’s group at Holy Trinity.

Visitation will be from 3-8 pm Monday, May 13, 2024 at Ratterman Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Road, St. Matthews. His Celebration of Life Mass will be at 10 am on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Cherrywood Road, Louisville and will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial gifts, in the form of contributions may be made to the Catholic Education Foundation or Kentucky Wounded Heroes or the charity of your choice.