Jeffery Roy "Jeff" Merritt

Jeffery "Jeff" Roy Merritt of Monticello, Florida, passed away peacefully October 30,
2024, with family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Tracy Andersen Merritt,
mother Katie Burns of Havana, Florida, brother Wesley Merritt and wife Alison of Havana,
Florida, brother Andy Merritt and partner Jenny Stokes of Lakeland, Florida, niece Kelsie Marsh
and husband Jack of Fort Bragg (Liberty), North Carolina, uncle Ron Merritt and wife Cheryl of
Summerfield, South Carolina, aunt Janice McCranie and husband Ray of Tallahassee, Florida,
and several beloved cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Lee Roy Merritt, uncle Ralph
Merritt, uncle David Merritt, uncle Wayne Merritt, aunt Caroline Rudd, and uncle Billy Dyer.
Jeff was born February 22, 1964 in Quincy, Florida and grew up in Liberty and Gadsden counties.
He attended Gadsden Christian Academy before moving to Tallahassee in 1976 where
he attended Raa Middle School, and Lincoln High School, then pursued commercial art at Lively
Vocational Technical School. He was exceptionally bright and talented, excelling in academics
and sports, including football and baseball while in school, and was an avid fisherman, spending
much time in St. Marks, Carrabelle, and on Lake Talquin where his father and uncle lost their
lives in 1970.
As a young man he worked in the nursery business and was employed by Super Lube for
many years before moving on to other endeavors.He also worked several years at the
Jefferson County Road Department. His true passion was fishing and being in the great
outdoors. He had a strong faith and was a free spirit that looked forward to the day when he
could be with his father and loved ones that had passed on before him. He will be greatly missed.
A private family memorial service will be held at the coast at a day and time to be determined.
Those wishing to make a contribution in his honor may give to their charity of choice in fighting
lung cancer or their local hospice.
Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Merritt
family with their arrangements.