of Conway, AR
March 16, 1948 - August 14, 2018
Jerry Milton Merritt, 70, of Conway, AR, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday August 14, 2018. He was born March 16, 1948 in Searcy, AR to Milton (Red) and Mary (Polly) Merritt. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jerry was a Conway High School Wampus Cat, Class of 1966. He was a proud Vietnam War Veteran. He was a former manager of Safeway and had a long career in the trucking industry. He was a UCA Alumni Association Lifetime Member, a UCA Purple Circle Foundation Member, and a founding member of ''The Swamp Fox Club''.
Jerry was a big man with a big heart. He was a loyal friend, with many lifelong friendships. He was kind, generous, and he loved life. His many passions included a love of his ''furbabies'' (Matilda and Ursula), his standing Tuesday lunch with his buddies, and his Sunday School Class. He was an avid sports fan, supporting the UCA Bears, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Denver Broncos. He had a gift for storytelling and he never met a stranger.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Debbie Purtle Merritt; his daughters Lauren (Randy) Willis and Farrah (Eddie) Spicer; his step-daughters Ashley (Scott) Targac and Courtney (Stuart) Jaynes; his grandchildren Cameron Willis, Marshall Spicer, Lily Jaynes, and Hayden, Hannah, Rhett and Rhys Targac; his sister Pam Merritt and many beloved friends.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday August 17, 2018 at 11:00AM at Second Baptist Church, Conway, AR. Visitation one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Second Baptist Church of Conway, the UCA Foundation or a charity of your choice.
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7 Condolence(s)
Rick Reynolds
Friday, August 17, 2018
Debbie, we are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
Lulu Thompson
Friday, August 17, 2018
Jerry and I have been friends since elementary school. He was always a good friend even though he teased me! Pam, I am sorry I didn't get to visit with you. My heart aches for all the family,Lulu
Dana Boyer
Friday, August 17, 2018
So very sad to hear the news! I have very fond memories of Jerry from all the years of growing up along side my dear friend Farrah. What a beautiful service and true celebration of his life. Your family will remain in my thoughts. Love you Farrah!
Janis Lamey young
Friday, August 17, 2018
Jerry was a special guy. Always loved his friendship. He will be missed by all.
James L Stamlet
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Debbie,
Laura & I are saddened by your loss. Jerry will be dearly missed. May the grace of God be with you and the family
Angie (Bain) Tucker
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Lauren, Farrah, Pam and Debbie- words seem so inadequate right now. You and your families are in our prayers and on our hearts. We are asking God to give you extra measures of comfort, strength and peace in the days ahead. Bubba was so very special to myself and many others - I loved him dearly! We will see him again soon!
Kathy Owen Traylor
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Debbie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my prayers.