Ottis Merritt

Mr. Merritt was born November 18th, 1925 in Coffee County to the late Carlos and Mary Alice Merritt. He was raised on the family farm and at an early age accepted Christ in a country church. When he was 18 years old he joined the U. S. Army and served in Japan during World War II. In November, 1947 he married a hometown girl, Edell Bryan. Together they traveled around quite a bit for his work before settling in Brunswick and building their home. He went through Brick Masonry School on the G.I. Bill and became a master brick mason. As such, he was widely sought out for his excellent craftsmanship. Many churches, homes and businesses around Glynn County still show his handiwork.

Having been raised on a farm during the Great Depression, he learned the valuable lesson that things broken should be fixed rather than thrown away, a lesson that later would apply to every aspect of life.

In his younger years, Ottis was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always enjoyed gardening, especially after retirement and on into his 80's. Going back to his “farm boy roots” he grew quite a bountiful garden. He spent many hours tilling, toiling and tending his garden which he called “therapy”. All of his family and many friends enjoyed the “fruits” of his labor. There are many fond memories of “pickin' peas” or “diggin' taters” with grandpa in the garden. He grew corn stalks so high they could barely be reached and once even grew a huge sunflower that was well over 12 feet high.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his younger brother C.J. Merritt. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Edell Bryan Merritt; a daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Kenneth Finch; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Patricia Merritt; 5 grandchildren – Missy Munton (Tom), Jason Garner (Amber), Amy DeMarco (Steve), Joe Garner (Vivian) and Bryan Merritt; 12 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild; one sister and brother-in-law, Aline and Leon Burch; and many other relatives and friends. He was also a longtime friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob.

A funeral service will be held at Glyndale Baptist Church on Friday November 18th at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Ken Creekmore officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The graveside service and burial will be in Coffee County at Pridgen Baptist Church cemetery at 3:30 p.m. also on Friday. Six of his grandsons - Jason Garner, Joe Garner, Bryan Merritt, Tristan Garner, Eli Robledo and T. J. Munton will serve as pall bearers. Honorary pall bearers are J. L. Johns, Leon Moody, Herbert Rogers, Wilbur Wiggins, Donnie Frasier, Herbert Taylor, Jo Chapman and Eddie Herrin.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.