November 8, 1951 – February 8, 2026
Merrill Bateman, 74, of Shoals, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Redcrest Hospice House, in Bloomington.
Born November 8, 1951, in Bedford, he was the son of Alvin and Alice (Taylor) Bateman. Merrill attended Shoals School. He married Rosalee Jones in November of 1983; and she survives.
Merrill worked at NSWC Crane, retiring from transportation department. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He loved hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, playing softball, and spending time with his kids and grandkids.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Rosalee; children, Bo (Miriam) Bateman, Casey Heckard, Boomer (Amanda) Heckard, Julie (Adam) Walton, Joey (Erin) Bateman, and Krissy Smith; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Gale Noble and Debbie (Harold) Sipes; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Queen-Lee Chapel of George Funeral Care with Terry Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Trinity Springs. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Queen-Lee Chapel in Shoals.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, in memory of Merrill Bateman.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.queenlee.com.
