John L. Merrill Jr., 79     CRANBERRY ISLES -- John L. Merrill Jr., 79, of Little Cranberry Island, died on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007, after a long illness.      A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13 at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 885 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth at 12 p.m. Burial and a memorial service will be held at Little Cranberry Island at a later date.     In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to:     Sea Education Association     P.O. Box 6     Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02453     or     Massachusetts General Hospital     165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600     Boston, Massachusetts 02114    Service Announcement