SFC Earl Merritt, age 76, of Douglas, passed away on Wednesday May 1, 2019 in Savannah. Mr. Merritt was born on October 29, 1942 in Broxton, the son of the late Elmer Merritt Sr. and Gussie Peterson Merritt.
He worked as a truck driver with Gold Kist and was a retired Sergeant First Class in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War.
Mr. Merritt was preceded in death by two sisters, Maggie Crutchfield and Florene Watson; and two great grandchildren, Hiliegh Rose Trowell and Aiden Walker Trowell.
Survivors include his wife, Lera Deen Merritt of Douglas; two daughters, Maggie Bennett and husband Andrew of Douglas and Chrystal Tyson and husband David of Warrick, R.I.; seven grandchildren, Alexis Trowell, Lainey McQuaig, Lakin Trowell, Braidyn Bennett, Colt Taylor, Sarah Jean Tyson and Christina Marie Tyson; sister, Faye Canta and husband Al of Garland, Texas; two brothers, Marshall Merritt and Elmer Merritt; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held 2:00pm Sunday May 5, 2019 at Sims Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mary Ann Braswell officiating. Interment with full military honors given by Ft. Stewart Honor Guard followed at Satilla Memorial Gardens.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.