Harris Merritt

Passed 12/26/2019

Obituary For Harris Merritt

Harris Merritt, affectionately kown as “Ike,” was born August 29, 1948, to the late Martha Lois Merritt and James Merritt of Barnesville, Georgia. Harris graduated from Booker High School in Barnesville, Georgia in 1966. He furthered his education at Gordon Military School, where he was the first African American football player, which led to the integration of the school’s football team. He excelled in all sports and tried out to play professional baseball with the Kansas City Royals. Harris was employed by Lamar County Comprehensive High School in the recreation department, where he continued to enjoy his passion for sports and mentoring to young athletes. For over 20 years, Harris worked for the William Carter Company, where he received numerous service awards in several different departments, until he developed health issues. He also used his entrepreneurial skills and worked as a landscaper, painter, and general contractor. At a very young age, Harris joined Bethel AME Church, where he served diligently and faithfully as a steward for many years. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in 1993. He was a loving and compassionate man who would provided help to anyone who needed it. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. On February 22, 1997, Harris was united in holy matrimony to Catherine. Harris memory will be cherished by: his loving and devoted wife of 22 years, Catherine of Barnesville, GA; daughter Sara (Larry) Cotton of Griffin, GA; sons Jerrod Foster and Jarvis Merritt of Barnesville, GA, and Dedrick Edge of North Carolina; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sisters, Dianne Hugh of Barnesville, GA, Nancy (Nate) Stouetrmire of Detroit, MI, and Janice (Curtis) Carter of Barnesville, GA; brothers, Ralph (Tammie) Merritt of Barnesville, GA, Clifford (Betty) Banks of Barnesville, GA, Fredrick Merritt of Barnesville, GA, and Anthony (Debra) Merritt of Detroit, MI; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Ogletree of Catula, GA, and Portia Ogletree of Barnesville, GA; brother-in-law, James Williams of Griffin, GA; uncle Lamonte Hutcherson of Alexander VA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and very dear friend, who was more like a brother, John Walter Brown.

Funeral Service were held Friday, January 3,2020 1:00 P.M. East Mount Sinai Baptist Church Interment West Mount Sinai Cemetery

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