Phillip Martin Merritt

May 20th, 2023, Phillip Martin Merritt, 82, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at daughter’s home with his beloved daughter Amanda “Mandy” Kowal, son in law Tim “Timmy” Kowal, kitty Cyrano, grand fur babies Rosanna and Justin at his side.

Phillip was born on January 24, 1941, to Robert Lee Merritt and Winnie Slone Merritt in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

Phillip loved teaching History and Politics at Sarasota High School. He also taught night school, and drivers ed in the summer. One of his most awarding professions was teaching golf.

Phil found his soul mate and forever love Rebecca Jo Harper Merritt, after marrying they had a daughter Amanda Ramsey Merritt Kowal, and many fur babies thru out life. Lived in Sarasota, Florida until retirement and lived in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee.

Phil had many hobbies: fishing, loved the weather, most of all golf was his passion. In a word, Phil was curious, caring, loving and his inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all his pursuits.

For most of his life, Phil was a devoted husband, doting father, admirable teacher, loyal friend to many, he always put himself second. He always gave over 100% and always taught me if you cannot do something right then do not do it at all. After mom passed away, he never strayed and wore his wedding band, said she was his soul mate and the only one for him.

His fur babies’ companions were dear to him thru out his life. 

He will be remembered for his enormous heart and his strong will and braveness. He was full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences. He will be remembered for his beautiful heart that he shared with his friends, family, and doctors. He truly loved each of them.

When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, braveness, strength and full of love to be with his soul mate, his wife.

Phil was predeceased by his father Robert Lee Merritt, his mother Winnie Slone Merritt, by wife Rebecca Jo Harper Merritt, by brother Paul Merritt, brother-in-law Rudy Harper, Jayne Harper, sister-in-law Linda Compton, Robert Compton, many loved ones to name and many fur babies to name.

Phil is survived by daughter Amanda Ramsey “Merritt” Kowal, son in law Tim Paul Kowal, kitty Cyrano, grand fur babies Rosanna and Justin, Scott Merritt, David Merritt, Dave Merritt, Harper Family, Compton Family, Rheinecker Family, Loid Family, James Family, Laura Falin Denney.

We would like to thank his doctors: Dr. Timothy Powell, Dr. Vijay Rupanagudi, his primary who we thought of like family Dr. Joanna Gibbs, his oncologist who is part of our family Dr. Roberto Cano, Vitas Hospice for the compassion and support. We would like to thank our special helpers: Debbie Towns, Janet Walker, Cindy Roushar, Magdalena Plewinska, David Trandel, Hart Jendretzke, Lee Pedigo and so many special people.

In typical fashion, there are no services planned as he wanted. A Celebration of Life will occur in Sarasota, Florida with details to be determined soon.

Phil will be missed dearly.

I love and miss you daddy.