GIRDLETREE — John William Merritt, Sr., age 68, died Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. Born in Nassawadox, Va. he was the son of the late Benjamin F. Merritt, Sr. and Annie Carpenter Merritt. He is survived by his beloved wife Mariella DeMomi Merritt.

Merritt was a graduate of Snow Hill High School, Class of 1961. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in Vietnam. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Girdletree and the National Rifle Association. He had worked as a carpenter and builder. He enjoyed all things outdoors involving nature.

Along with his wife he is survived by his sons, John Merritt, Jr. of Box Iron and Stephen Merritt of Orange, Va; daughters, Sherry McElhaney and her husband Franklin of Pocomoke City and Sheila Merritt of Girdletree; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a brother, Benjamin Franklin Merritt, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Girdletree; a niece and a nephew. 

A graveside service was held Friday, Aug. 12 at Spring Hill Cemetery in Girdletree. Donations may be made to Coastal Hospice at the Lake, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21804. Arrangements are being handled by the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.