Mr. Michael Anthony Merritt, age 55, of Patterson, formerly of Hazlehurst, died Friday, November 12, 2022, at his residence.

Mike was born November 18, 1966, in Jeff Davis County.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Crystal Sue Merritt, maternal grandparents, Lucille and Red Jump, Raymond and Wilma Carelock, and paternal grandparents, Alonzo and Gladys Merritt.

He was a bus driver who retired from the Appling County Board of Education and a New Life Apostolic Church member.

Mike had a sweet spirit about him, and always had a sweet word and smile for you when he met you.

In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, cooking, and working in his yard, and definitely, most of all he loved spending time with his family and church family whom he loved dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Edge Merritt of Patterson, step-daughter, Miranda Nelms of Mt Vernon; step-sons, Justin (Michelle) Nelms of Darien and Ladson Nelms of Hazlehurst; parents, A.C. and Lois Carelock Merritt of Hazlehurst; sister, Carolyn (Joe) Garrett of Hazlehurst; brother, Stacy (Kristi) Merritt of Hazlehurst; five grandchildren, Zayden Nelms, Raegan Nelms, Caelum Nelms, Henry Nelms, and Olin Nelms, nieces,  Sebrenna Garrett, Kella McCall, Alara McCall, and nephews, Bryson Merritt, Luke McCall and Riley Garrett also survive.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 17, 2022, in the Chapel of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home, visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. David Harrell, and Mr. Jimmie Ryles officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hazlehurst City Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Eric Carelock, Brian Carelock, Bobby Roberson, Tim Roberson, Rodney Sharp, Ricky Bennett, and Adrian Carelock.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mrs. Elaine Merritt (229-315-0627) or Mrs. Carolyn Merritt Garrett (912-253-7135).

The Merritt Family and Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home respectfully ask all in attendance to continue to follow social distancing guidelines set by our local health district and the CDC.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.