Leroy Merritt

Leroy Merritt was born to the late Clover Tea (Hill) Eberhart and Willie Thomas Merritt Sr. in Atlanta, Ga. His Father the late James Eberhart was the man that raised him and whom he was proud to call dad. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from West Fulton High School. Leroy was known to be the jokester of the family and was an all around athlete. He played basketball, football, and baseball. He continued his education and played basketball at Miles College in Alabama, where he took on the nickname “Cornbread”. Leroy proudly pledged Kappa Alpha Psi and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

Mr. Merritt would go on to work in management at Kmart for over 20 years. He also worked in management at several other companies. Leroy married his first wife Nadine Clark and they had a beautiful daughter LaShaunta D. Merritt. He later married his second wife the late Carol Blair-Merritt, where he would become a father of six. Nakisha Blair, Patrice Blair, Lauren Spikes (Andrew), Sarah Tea Merritt, Leroy Merritt II and James Houston Merritt. He leaves behind his grandchildren Carol Blair, Destiny Grier, Nyla Grier, Kyra Grier, Ruben Carter, Janiyah Grier, Lakya Barber, Zariana Barber, Sariyah Bronner, Andrew Spikes Jr.; great-grandchildren Josiah Grier (Big Jo), Taijay Ingram. He also leaves sisters Cynthia Smith (Eugene), Inderia Muhammad (Muwaffaq), brother Kenneth Merritt (Wanda); and several other siblings. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a lot of special friends.

Leroy touched the lives of many with his kind heart and charismatic personality. He never gave up on making sure everyone was taking care of and loved by him. He just wasn't a father, grand-father, great-grandfather, husband, brother or friend; to many Leroy was a "Hero". Mr. Merritt enjoyed fishing, taking his granddaughter to the park, watching and talking about sports with his sons, spending time with the family and uplifting anyone he could with his speeches. He enjoyed listening to classical, jazz, and soul music. His favorite artist was Sade. He will forever be remembered for his smile and amazing spirit.

Visitation for Leroy will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 11:00AM-1:00PM in The Fairview Suite at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com for the Merritt family.