F. L. “Skip” Merrill, 78, of Lynn, N.C. passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 at the Hospice House of the Carolinas.

A native of Milwaukee, Wis., he was a son of the late William and Dorothy Frick Merrill. Skip was the national sales manager for ABB Analytics. Of life’s many enjoyments, some of his favorites were honing his golf game, playing craps, supporting the sports program of the University of Wisconsin and watching his favorite NFL team the Green Bay Packers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Merrill.

Surviving is his loving wife of 22 years, Mary Ann Spagnola Merrill; daughter, Julie Bassett and husband, Roger, of Olive Branch, Miss., and sister, Dorothy Jacobson of Waterford, Wis.

No services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the FHS Service Animal Project, P.O. Box 126, Tryon, N.C. 28782.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.AshevilleMortuaryServices.com.