Billie Lamar Merchant

Billie Merchant, 90, of jasper passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Billie was born on September 6, 1934 in Panama City, Florida to A.L. & Ophelia Merchant. He moved to Jasper in 1981 and was known for his abilitiy to start up paper mills. He retired from Southern Ionics and also worked and set up East Texas Pulp & Paper in Evadale, Southland Paper Company in Sheldon, and Pineville Kraft in Pineville, Louisiana. On April 29, 1963, he married the love of his life in Woodville, Texas, Patricia Nolen Merchant. They were happily married for 62 years.

He is survived by his wife Pat Merchant; son Matthew Lamar Merchant & wife Mary Kathryn; daughters Paige Lynn Merchant and Pamela Kay Tassin & husband Gene; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a “son by choice” Marvin Cowart. He is preceded in death by his daughter Janis Rene Latham. Condolences can be posted at www.shultzfuneralhomeofjasper.com, on Facebook at Shultz Funeral Home & Crematory, or on Instagram at Shultzfh.