Eldon Lee Merritt

Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL

Viewed: 1221

Posted by: Warren Holloway Ward FH
[email protected]
334-684-9999
Date: Jul 16 2023 5:15 PM

Mr. Eldon Lee Merritt of Samson, AL and Freeport, FL passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023. He was 86 years old.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Baine officiating and Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing.

Eldon Lee Merritt was born June 18, 1937, to the late John S. and Mattie Lee Roberson Merritt. He was the fourth son of nine children. A 1958 graduate of Samson, Alabama High School, Eldon delayed his graduation by three years while he chased girls and played football.

After graduation Eldon was appointed as a police officer with the City of Samson, Alabama. He then joined the U.S. Army Active Reserve, and was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Fort Leonardwood, Missouri for basic and combat engineer training.

Upon returning to Samson to resume his police duties, Eldon married Alice Faye (Dot) Gatlin on May 22, 1960. The couple remained in Samson until the birth of their son, Jeffery Lee Merritt on September 8, 1961.

Hardly a month had passed until Eldon was once again called to active duty with the Alabama National Guard and assigned to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas where he remained for one year before returning to the Samson Police Department. 1962 found the Merritt family moving once again as Eldon was appointed to the position of police officer for the City of Ozark, Alabama. One year later Eldon was appointed as an Alabama State Trooper by the then Governor of Alabama, George C. Wallace. His assignments included the counties of Washington, Crenshaw and Geneva. Eldon remained in this position for 25 years, at which time he retired. Eldon also served 20 years with the National Guard and retired with the rank of Sergeant 1^st Class.    

Not wanting to put his life in an inactive status, Eldon was hired as Credit Manager for Benco Credit Union in Geneva. However, the call once again from his hometown of samson and the people he loved to become Chief of Police. He remained in this position until his final retirement at the age of 62. Eldon spent his entire career in public service to the people. At the time of Eldon’s death, the Merritt’s were living on West Main Street in Samson within 200 yards of where Eldon was born.

In his final days, Eldon’s wonderful wife Dot, and his son, Jeffery stood right beside him giving him unwavering love and support. Eldon was very thankful for his family and the many friends he made throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight siblings.

Eldon is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Alice Faye Gatlin “Dot” Merritt of Samson, AL; one son, Jeffery “Jeff” Merritt of Freeport, FL; special friend, Sean “Val” Manley of Freeport, FL; one sister, Sara Merritt Grimes of Abbeville, AL; special K-9 companion’s, CoCo and Nikki the Pooh.   

 

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. "Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com  

 

 

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