ED MERRITT

Edgar "Ed" Timothy Merritt, age 90, went to rest with his Lord on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. In God's providence, this was the day he and his beloved wife, Betty, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Christ's Sanctified Holy Church, Fort Valley, Georgia. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 at the same location, with interment following at the church cemetery. Ed was born on November 16, 1934, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Paul Merritt, Sr. and May Miller Merritt. At the age of 14, Ed gave his heart and life to God during the church Camp Meeting services of 1948. From that day forward, he remained a devoted member of Christ's Sanctified Holy Church, faithfully teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout his life. Ed began his career in the homebuilding industry learning the plastering trade from his father and older brothers while living in Portsmouth, VA. He then became the owner of Merritt Construction Company in Augusta, GA, and later worked for Robuck Homes in Raleigh, NC, before retiring in 1999. Known for his quick wit, joy for life, and Spirit-filled preaching, Ed, alongside Betty, opened their home to countless young people, offering warm hospitality and impacting many lives. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and May Merritt, and his brothers, Paul Merritt Jr. and Ralph Merritt. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jernigan Merritt; their three children, Mitchell Merritt (Sally), Michael Merritt (Shelli), and Angela Merritt Collier (Ted). He was "Bebop" to his grandchildren, Stephanie Merritt, Melissa Merritt (Rich), Mackenzie Merritt, Megan Batts (Jonathan), Hannah Merritt, Presley Merritt, Colson Collier (Donna), and Caleb Collier; and five great-grandchildren, Blakely, Stratton, Eliana, Shiloh, and Merritt, as well as his nieces and nephews who were dear to him. Ed's family and friends will forever treasure the memory of his love, humor, and steadfast devotion to both his faith and family. Flowers will be gratefully accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Christ's Sanctified Holy Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 1465, Perry, GA 31069. Condolences for the family may be left in the guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.