Ray Oliver Merritt

Ray Oliver Merritt, 97, of Paris, passed away Friday, July 07, 2017, at Legend Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services for 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 10th, at Meadowbrook Gardens with Rev. Mike Fortenberry officiating. A formal visitation is not scheduled, however, friends and family may pay their respects at the funeral home. Mr. Merritt, the son of Alvin & Elizabeth Gregory Merritt, was born March 29, 1920, in Roxton. He attended Roxton schools and served with the CCC’s in the late 20’s and 30’s. Ray served in the U. S. Army during World War II, and following his honorable discharge he began a career as an auto mechanic which spanned thirty-five years. Those years were spent with Howerton Motors and Kosterman Motors, both Ford dealerships. Following those years he began working as a school crossing guard at Thomas Justiss Elementary School where he worked another twenty-two years. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the Red River Valley Tractor Club. Ray loved gardening, especially his pecan trees. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and camping. Ray was preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn Lane, five brothers and two sisters. Survivors include his wife, Helen McEntyre Merritt, whom he married on Aug. 31, 1940, building seventy-six years of family and memories, two sons, Billy Merritt & friend Doris Moore of Paris and Phillip Merritt & wife Cathy of Paris, grandchildren; Debbie Hughes of Blossom, Lisa Follmar & husband Ricky of Reno, Christal Dillard & husband Chuck of Paris and Waylon Merritt & wife Christina of Paris, 8 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, two sisters, Dorothy Gandy & husband William of Tyler and Earline Stringer of Tyler along with numerous nieces & nephews and a host of friends.