William “JoRell” Linton

December 7, 1957 – October 22, 2026

William “JoRell” Linton, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at home on October 22,2026. He was 68 years old. JoRell was born on December 7, 1957, in Wayne, Michigan. He was the son of the late Donald Linton and Katherine Joyce Sholler. He spent his childhood under the loving guidance of his grandparents and developed an inseparable brotherhood with his cousins, Marc and David Barnhart. 

JoRell’s journey through life was marked by his commitment to family, friends, faith, and community. After graduating from high school in southern California, he returned to Michigan and pursued higher education, earning degrees in Industrial Design, Design Engineering, and Human Resource Management. His professional life saw him employed for many years in Traverse City, Michigan in various manufacturing settings. He was owner and president of Deerfield Design & Manufacturing, prior to moving to Alabama. JoRell completed his career working for Donaldson Corporation in Auburn, Alabama. 

In 1995, JoRell married the love of his life, Amy. Together, they built a nurturing home filled with love and laughter. He was a devoted father to Matt Mersino and Lydia (James) Griswold, and a doting grandfather to Matthew, Madeline, Lawson, and Ella Rose Mersino, as well as Scarlett, James JoRell (JJ), and Sylvie Griswold. He adored spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them the art of fishing, including retrieving lures out of trees and sharing his passion for the great outdoors. 

A man of many interests, JoRell was a diehard hunter, reveling in the pursuit of deer, elk, turkeys, and even the occasional irritating coyote. His love for nature was only matched by his love for his faith. As a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama, JoRell’s life was a testament to his devotion to Jesus. He never met a stranger and was known for his witty sense of humor and unwavering commitment to family traditions. 

JoRell’s spirit of service extended beyond his family. He volunteered with Christian Care Ministries, selflessly giving his time to those in need. His legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire those who knew him.

A celebration of JoRell’s life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026 at Trinity Methodist Church, 800 Second Avenue, Opelika, AL. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm with a funeral service immediately following visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Chattahoochee Humane Society in Valley, Alabama, to honor JoRell’s love for animals. 

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Beauregard Fire Department, Daniel Sexton of Lee County, the Journey Sunday School Class at Trinity, and the staff of Frederick Dean Funeral Home for their care and compassion during this difficult time.