Robert Lee "R. L." Merritt, 70, of Tifton passed away Friday, June 9, 2017, at Tift Regional Medical Center. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Deberry Baptist Church in Broxton with the Rev. Jeremy Cox officiating. Mr. Merritt will be laid to rest at Deberry Baptist Church Cemetery in Broxton. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 13, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at Deberry Baptist Church in Broxton.
Born February 27, 1947 in Coffee County, Mr. Merritt was the son of the late William Merritt and Azalee Sayer Merritt. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Anne West. He was retired and enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing.
Mr. Merritt is survived by his wife, Teresa Ann Merritt of Tifton; three sons, Shane Merritt of Grovetown, James Merritt of England and Butch Avera of Mississippi; three daughters, Julie Lott of South Carolina, Birdie O'Neal of Tifton and Chastity Fountain of Fitzgerald; one step-daughter, Rain Jernigan of Enigma; three brothers, Chalmes Pridgen of Tifton and James Merritt and Joseph Merritt, both of Fitzgerald; one sister, Connie Clemons of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; and eleven grandchildren.