Johnnie Franklin Merchant, Jr., age 72, of Hayden passed away Saturday, October 19th, 2019 at Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Mr. Merchant was an avid NFL football fan. He enjoyed working in the yard, especially with his rose bushes. He doted on his grandchildren and liked playing on the computer. One of his favorite places was the beach. Survivors include wife Frances "Frankie" Merchant of Hayden; son Austin Shane Biggs of Morris; daughter Angela Renee Huff of Coppell, Texas; special sister Sandra Mae "Sis"; grandchildren Grayson Huff, Jessie Huff, Natalie Biggs, C J Biggs; uncle and aunt Walter and Faye Nettles of Miramar Beach, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Johnnie Merchant Sr., and Mildred Patricia Merchant; his brother Gregory A. Merchant. The family will hold a memorial service for Mr. Merchant at a later date. Donations can be made in memory of Johnnie Merchant to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or on the website at heart.org Arrangements entrusted to the Blount County/Cleveland Funeral Home.