Edward Earl Merritt

MOULTRIE — Edward Earl Merritt, 60, of Moultrie, died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.

Graveside rites will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Ga., with the Rev. Ricky McLaughlin and the Rev. R.A. Snow officiating.

Casketbearers will be Joey Rape, John Howard, Brent Howard, Stephen Patterson, David Barnes, Scott Shealey and Doug Shealey.

Born Jan. 14, 1955 in Fitzgerald, he was the son of the late Henry Edward Merritt and Jean Carolyn Ross Merritt. He was a self-employed truck driver and attended Moultrie Church of God.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Hudson Merritt of Moultrie; three children, Pamela Michele Barnes and Jr. “David” of Leesburg, Ga., Christopher Earl Merritt Patterson and Stephen of Loganville, Ga., and Vicki Lynn Dampier and Colin of Moultrie; five grandchildren, Christopher Anthony Williams and Madison, Colin Nathaniel Dampier II, Lorelai Renee Dampier, Olivia Hope Patterson and Christopher Evan Patterson; three sisters, Sharon Merritt Pressley and William “Bill” of Baconton, Ga., Denise Merritt Hill and Michael “Mike” of Rincon, Ga., and Elaine Merritt Howard and Stanley “Stan” of Baconton, Ga.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Cobb Funeral Chapel in Moultrie, Ga.

Cobb Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.cobbfuneralchapel.com or leave condolences for the family at www.moultrieobserver.com.