Merritt R. Russell III, 41, of Sprakers Road, Sprakers, NY died at home, unexpectedly on November 11, 2020 of natural causes.

He was born in Derby, Connecticut on September 13, 1979, the son of Merritt R. Russell, Jr. and Jeryle Ann Johnson Russell.

He was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1999.

Most Recently Merritt worked as a mechanic at Ron Allen Trucking in Canajoharie, NY. Prior to that he worked at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Johnstown, NY.

Merritt has been a local area resident since 1994, previously living in Bethany, Connecticut.

He enjoyed taking care of "his girls", the chickens that had found a place in his heart. He also enjoyed shooting guns, riding four wheelers, and dirt bikes.

Survivors include his parents; sisters; Alissia and her husband Mike Haig, and Holly Russell; his three nieces, which were the center of his world, Keira, Leah, and Aspen; maternal grandparents, Jerome and Marjorie Johnson, paternal grandmother, Agnes Russell; aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as many good friends.

He was predeceased by his aunt, Cathy DeKonkoly Thege; uncle, Gary Russell; and paternal grandfather, Merritt Russell, Sr.

The family invites family and friends to pay their respects on Sunday November 15th, 2020 from 2:00-5:00PM at Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Private funeral services will be offered at a later date. Due to the Coronavirus we ask anyone attending services please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Anyone unable, or uncomfortable coming to services please feel free to leave your condolences online at www.houghtalingandsmithfuneralhome.com

A Memorial Fundraiser to honor Merritt has been created. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to assist with memorial expenses. If you wish to donate, you may do so by clicking on the red "Donate Now" button below or you can share the Fundraiser by clicking on the Facebook link or clicking on the "Copy this Link" tab to the right of the Fundraiser. We'd like to thank you in advance as it is greatly appreciated.