Harvey Lanier Merritt's Obituary
Harvey Lanier Merritt, 81, went to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
He was born in Coffee County, GA. On April 2, 1936 to Ed and Iva Mae Merritt (deceased).
He attended Pridgen Elementary, Broxton High School, and University of South Georgia in Douglas.
Harvey came to Florida in 1957 where he met the love of his life, Clarice Burch. They married and raised their family in Highland City. Harvey retired from Cargill Fertilizer in 1996.
Harvey was a Charter member of Trinity Christian Center in Highland City. He was very active in all areas of the church, but his special love was the Royal Rangers program. He worked with the young boys for 44 years and was awarded the Lifetime Service Award, a distinguished honor of which he was very proud.
Harvey was an avid bird hunter. He also collected antique tractors and was a member of the Florida Flywheelers.
Harvey’s pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Clarice, and sisters Elizabeth Harper, Faye (Ronald) Jowers and Angela Smith. He has 3 children: Eddy (Kathy) Merritt and Gary (Cindy) Merritt of Highland City and Stacey Merritt of Tampa; 5 grandchildren Jason (Jessica) Merritt and David (Erin) Merritt o Bartow, Matthew (Lindsey) Merritt of Richmond Hill, GA, Thomas (Erin) Merritt of Highland City and Shelby Merritt of Nashville, TN; and 4 great-grandchildren Brayden, Levi, Rilynn and June.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Harvey was a diabetic, as are his niece and great-granddaughter, Rilynn, so this was a cause dear to his heart.
https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Donation2?2374.donation=form1&df_id=2374
And use the address: PO Box 639, Highland City, FL 33846 for donation receipt letters.
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