In memory of Jamie Merrill

After attendees released balloons in honor of Jamie Merrill’s life, his elder son, Javari of San Antonio, left, was first to grab the mic and share with the crowd just how much his father meant to him and his brother Jacobi, right. Javari reminded everyone that while their father may be physically gone, his spirit and presence are still very much with us. Both spoke of how their father will live on through his music. Jamie Merrill, an Abilene-based singer, songwriter and producer, passed away on May 16. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at The Well, 137 Mesquite St. in Abilene. (Photo by Sienna Miller)

Cokey Dorsey was the MC of the Balloon Release for Jamie Merrill. Even though they aren’t related by blood, Dorsey sees Jamie as family. He often refers to Merrill as Big Bro. Here he reflects on past text messages and words of encouragement that he continually received from Jamie. Cokey considered Merrill a mentor. He shared that God was the center of many of their conversations. He prides himself on the “LeneTown” brand that Merrill promoted in his music and on his clothing line. (Photo by Sienna Miller)

In the Jenkens Memorial Chapel inside Hendrick North Hospital, friends and family of Jamie Merrill gathered for a community prayer as he was hospitalized for heart failure. Kelli Hitt, left, and her son, Gavin, spoke about the love showed them both throughout the years. Jamie not only showed up at some of Gavin’s football games but often left gifts with kind words of encouragement on their porch for them to see upon returning home. A number of loved ones at the prayer service spoke about Jamie’s love for God and his generosity. (Photo by Sienna Miller)