Search by Name

Search by Name

Arnold (Ray) Merritt Obituary

Arnold (Ray) Merritt was born and raised in Anniston where he played high school football (AHS '43) and enjoyed hiking and camping in the hills near his home. After Pearl Harbor, Ray volunteered for the Marines and while serving in San Diego met and married Katie who was also a Marine and to whom he remained married for 65 years until her passing in 2009. Moving to Wichita, Kansas after the war, Ray became a master craftsman with glass and metal. On August 11, 1976 while working on a plate glass installation job in downtown Wichita, Ray came under fire from a sniper shooting from the top floor of an nearby building. He ran to the assistance of a fatally injured co-worker and was himself gravely wounded. A plaque in downtime Wichita near the sight of the shooting commemorates his actions and those of other local heroes. Ray and Katie later moved in Niceville, Fla. where they had a glass business before settling in Houston. He died in Webster, Texas on May 1, 2014 of natural causes. Ray was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved the outdoors, particular fishing and horse shoes and was an avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-laws, Greg & Jody Merritt and Rob & Dorothy Merritt; his grandchildren, Stacie, Jaymes, Steven, Jennifer and Katie; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Katlyn, Tyler, Riley, Megan, Ethan, Jaeda and James. A memorial service will be held at the Friendswood United Methodist Church, Friendswood, Texas at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Anniston Star on May 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Arnold (Ray) Merritt

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Harry Simpson

May 9, 2014

Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Arnold (Ray) Merritt's name

Memorial Events
for Arnold (Ray) Merritt

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Arnold (Ray)'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Arnold (Ray) Merritt's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more