Mr. Aubrey Joe Merritt, age 86 of Douglas, GA, passed away Sunday afternoon, September 17, 2023 at his residence following an extended illness.
Mr. Merritt was born May 2, 1937 to the late Henry Brooks Merritt and the late Reba Hutchison Merritt Davis. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Kenneth Chad Merritt; a daughter-in-law: Angie Sears Merritt, 2 Brothers, James Herman Merritt and H. B. Merritt; and a nephew, Jimmy Brooks Merritt.
Mr. Merritt, a native of Coffee County, was a farmer for his whole life. He loved his family, friends and going fishing. He was an active member and deacon of St. Illa Baptist Church as long as his health permitted.
Survivors include:
His wife of 62 years: Betty Sue Lott Merritt of Douglas, GA
His little lap buddy: Scooter
3 Children: Kenneth (Angie) Merritt of Douglas, GA
Tina (Daren) Kirkland of Nicholls, GA
Neil (Cheryl) Merritt of Ambrose, GA
1 Sister: Sue (Dinky) Deems of Nicholls, GA
Special Nephew: Andy (Cynthia) Merritt of Douglas, GA
11 Grandchildren: Erik (Nicole) Merritt, Grant (Blakelee) Merritt, Katie (Josh) Butts, Kayla (Jason) Whiddon, Christopher (Raquel) Merritt, Macy Caroline Kirkland, Ashley Ellis, Warren
(Lindsey) Spivey
9 Great-Grandchildren: Chaddon and Olivia Merritt, Hudson Merritt, Lily and Joseph Butts, Embry and Eason Whiddon, Carson and Reina Merritt and Gatlin Hall
Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Many Friends
The family will receive friends, Wednesday evening, September 20, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Chapel of Ricketson Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held Thursday morning, September 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Chapel of Ricketson Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Kirkland officiating. The interment will follow at St. Illa Cemetery with Rev. Terry Reagin presenting the closing service.
Active Pallbearers for the service will be: Eric Merritt, Grant Merritt, Cameron Arvidson, Jason Whiddon, Christopher Merritt and Josh Butts.
Ricketson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.