Cecil Merritt

Heading: Cecil E. Merritt (1927-2011) Dateline: Pelham Cecil Earl Merritt, 83, died February 22, 2011. Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late Leon and Eva Smith Merritt. Mr. Merritt served his country in the United States Army; receiving the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupational Medal Japan. He was passionate regarding service to his community and was a member of the City of Greenville Police Department. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1989. During retirement he enjoyed working part-time at DMX Transportation, Inc. Mr. Merritt was a Master Mason of Bailey Lodge No. 146 A.F.M. and a Shriner of the Hejaz Shrine Temple. He was a Life Member of the American Legion Post 3, Greenville, S.C. Mr. Merritt was an avid reader and sports fan and he enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves. He was a Christian and member of Pelham First Baptist Church in which he served in many ways. He was a member of the Henry Greer Sunday School Class, formerly a Deacon and served on many different church committees. Cecil was a faithful servant as a messenger to the Greer Baptist Association. Mr. Merritt is survived by a son, F. Wayne Merritt and his wife, Tammy of Greer; two grandsons, Nolan W. Merritt and his wife Kim of Simpsonville, Nathan E. Merritt and his wife Rena of Greer; two great-granddaughters, Ella Frances of Simpsonville and Margaret Kate of Greer; a brother-in-law, Carl Pitman of Greer; a sister-in-law Betty Ann Pitman of Pelham and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Merritt was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years Frances Pitman Merritt; a son, Jonathan E. Merritt and his wife Candy; two brothers, Samuel L. Merritt and Lee S. Merritt. The family will receive friends 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wood Mortuary. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Pelham First Baptist Church conducted by Dr. Gary Rogers and Dr. Kirt Mitchell. Burial will follow in Graceland East Memorial Park with military honors. Pallbearers will be Marion Ward, Carroll Pitman, Barry Pittman, Junior Pittman, Tiny Cooley, and Steve Lawhorn. Honorary escort will be the men of the Henry Greer Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pelham First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 2720 Old Highway 14 South, Greer, S.C. 29650. The family is at the home of Wayne Merritt. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Cecil Merritt

September 8, 1927 - February 22, 2011