Edward L. Merritt

Ed was born in Granville Summit PA, the youngest of 10 children of Mark and Bessie Merritt. He and his wife Judie moved to Chattanooga TN in 1989 from Horseheads NY after retiring from teaching science for 32 years. Ed was a star athlete at Troy PA high school from 1948 - 1951 in basketball and baseball. He graduated from Mansfield University PA in 1955 with a B.S. degree in Education majoring in science. He was named "Athlete of the Year" at both schools; was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mansfield University. He coached basketball, baseball, then golf for 16 winning seasons in Horseheads School District. He also played sports until he was 52, breaking many long-standing records, one scoring 50 points in one basketball game (with no 3 pointers). He was 62 when he faced one basket, shot to the opposite basket making 4 in a row from center court. Ed had a hole-in-one at Soaring Eagles golf course in Horseheads NY,# 6 hole, 200 yards, using a 3 iron.

He served 2 years in the U.S. Army as a Supply Clerk in a Guided Missile Battery in CA. While in Horseheads he was very active in the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon and then an Elder. He was Director of the Northern Branch YMCA for 16 years running basketball, volleyball, day camp and organizing "Y" Indian Guides (father/sons), Princess program (father/daughters): Chairman of the LPGA Corning Classic Junior golf tournaments for NY State and northern PA for 5 years. He coached Little League baseball and umpired Cinderella (girls) softball. Ed was very active in teaching, coaching and umpiring his children's sports. He was a very devoted father to his 4 wonderful children.

Ed completed his "bucket" list; playing golf at Pebble Beach, at the "Old Course" at St. Andrews in Scotland, walking the Master's course in Augusta, many conversations with Jack Nicklaus, batted against Hall of Famer Satchel Paige, was offered a contract by the Giants (baseball) in 1951. He played exhibition games against basketball legend Bob Lanier, Dave Bing and Alex Groza and played baseball in the Army with Hubie Brown who coached several NBA basketball teams. He and his wife Judie traveled to many foreign countries. They were avid supporters of the Chattanooga Mocs' basketball programs. He wore the "We Believe" sign at every game. He was proud to wear a hat saying, "I love Jesus".

Preceded in death are his parents Mark and Bessie Merritt: five sisters, their spouses, 4 brothers, their spouses, granddaughter Jennifer White Laugherty and his late wife Pat Recard. Survived by his beloved wife Judie of 45 years, daughters: Anita (Bill) Daw, AZ and granddaughter Janae Daw, MD, Julie White, (great-grandchildren Luke, llijah and Faith Laugherty), grandson Jonathan White,TN; Kelly Cusick (Tom Fitzpatrick), Big Flats NY. Sons: Jeffrey (Diana) Merritt, grandson Ken (Annie) and great granddaughter Liya in China, granddaughters Kristen (Matt) Merritt-Edger, great grandson Paul, great granddaughter twins Vera and Mae, Rachael (Kurtis) Ludden and great grandson Elias, step grandson Will Utter (step great grandsons Levi, William Jr., Jackson, Kaeden) all of Horseheads, NY; son Steven Merritt, Geneseo, NY; Kevin Cusick (Jaci), granddaughter Ashley, grandsons Parks and Rowen Cusick, Painted Post, NY. All who loved him very much as he loved them. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and their many children for several generations. Ed was proud to be an organ donor.

Ed was a member of Tyner United Methodist Church for many years serving on various committees along with their Men's Prayer breakfast. Ed became a faithful member of St. Stephen Catholic Church on October 3, 2012. Cremation will be handled by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Memorial service will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church on Lee Highway, Calling hours 1 hour prior to Mass at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Corning NY.

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