Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye to Merlin Christopher Smith, age 58, whom passed away May 13, 2025. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, February 3, 1967, to Bill and Linda Smith. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Eglin Air Force Base, where he attended school at Oak Hill, Ruckel, and Niceville High School. Merlin later moved to Mossy Head, where he and his wife raised their four children. Merlin worked at several restaurants through the years with Taco City being his last, where he enjoyed cooking for his community. He loved to get together with family and friends, collecting comic books, and cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and Florida Seminoles.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved brother, Willie; and best friend, Keith Broxton.
Merlin is survived by his wife, Marian; four children, Jessica Smith (Nick), Amber Blanton (Hunter), Merlin Smith, II, and Cassidy Smith; eight grandchildren; three siblings, Mary Everett (Donnie), Holly Gambrel (Danny), and Jason Smith; along with his large extended family, his best friend, Rich, and his fur babies.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins of DeFuniak Springs.
