Charles Leroy Merritt

August 1, 1939 - January 25, 2025

Charles L. Merritt, 85, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, after a short illness. He was born on August 1, 1939, to Ida Bowles in Stanton, Tennessee. In his early years, he moved with his mother to Memphis, Tennessee, where Ida met and married James H. Merritt. Together, they raised a loving and vibrant family of eight children, instilling strong values of perseverance, education, and family unity.

From a young age, Charles had an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for learning. He was an intelligent and charismatic individual, making friends effortlessly and forming connections with people from all walks of life. His love for sports, particularly basketball and boxing, kept him active, while his passion for playing cards and driving cars reflected his competitive and adventurous spirit. Among his fondest childhood memories were the summers spent with friends at T.O. Fuller State Park, where he enjoyed swimming, dancing, and reveling in the joys of youth.

At the age of seventeen, Charles made the bold decision to enlist in the U.S. Military, beginning a lifelong journey of service, discipline, and dedication. Shortly after, fate led him to the love of his life, Tassie Mae Wise. Theirs was a love story filled with devotion, laughter, and resilience. They shared 49 beautiful years of marriage and raised five children, building a home filled with warmth and unwavering support. Sadly, Charles endured the heartbreak of Tassie’s passing in 2007, but he carried her memory with him every day.

A natural leader and role model, Charles took great pride in being a father—not only to his own children but to countless others. His generosity knew no bounds, and his home was often a refuge for extended family members and relatives in need of guidance and support. He was known as a pillar of strength, always offering wisdom, encouragement, and a good-natured sense of humor. He loved sharing stories of his experiences traveling the world, leaving those around him both enlightened and entertained.

Some of his favorite sayings became legendary among those who knew him:

"You're never too old to learn."

"As of today, it looks like I’ve forgotten more than you’ve learned."

Charles never forgot his humble beginnings, nor did he take for granted the lessons life taught him. From working as a young cotton picker in Tennessee to serving as an Airman in the U.S. Air Force, followed by an illustrious 33-year career as a U.S. Navy Sailor, and concluding with 23 years as a dedicated Postal Worker, he exemplified hard work, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit.

Charles is preceded in death by his beloved wife Tassie Mae Merritt, his parents Ida Bowles and Rev. James H. Merritt, son Charles Renaldo Merritt and cherished siblings: James C. Merritt Sr. (Jimmy), Willie Gene Merrit Sr. (V.O.) and Levone Merritt (Bonnie). He leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom in his children Shandra Crews (Dewayne), Antrice Edison, Sonya Dorman and Andrea Santiago. Siblings: Delores Hawkins (Emmett), Rev. Roger Merritt (Delores), Joyce Jackson, Evelyn Angel (Calvin), half-Brother and Sisters: Joel, Eunice and Juanita Jones Callwell, Grandchildren: Bradson Howard, Freddie Edison, John Santiago (Danalyn), Malik Sesay, Dominic Santiago and Great-grandchildren Triston, Jacoby, Jenesis, Jazlynn, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins as well as a large extended family and numerous dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Rest in peace, Charles. Your love, wisdom, and humor will never be forgotten