Olan Mitchell Merritt

May 9, 1938 - August 19, 2014

Mr. Olan Mitchell Merritt, age 76, of Douglas, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 19, 2014 at the Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Merritt was born May 9, 1938 to the late Fred Merritt and the late Ethel Vickers Merritt. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Merritt. Mr. Merritt, a native of Coffee County, was a Truck Driver for Williams Institutional Foods for 50 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era, and he had retired from the local National Guard - 848th Engineer Unit. Mr. Merritt was a member of the College Avenue Baptist Church. Survivors include: His Wife: Ann Dora Veal Merritt of Douglas, GA; Children: Mickey Merritt of Crestview, FL., Rickey Merritt and Eddie Merritt both of Douglas, GA., Lamar Merritt of Dublin, GA., and Traci Merritt of Alma , GA ; 1 Sister: Fannie Ruth Roberson of Nicholls, GA; 7 Grand Children and 2 Great Grand Children; Several Nieces, Nephews, Friends and Other Relatives. Funeral Services were held Thursday, August 21, 2014, at 4:00 P.M., at College Avenue Baptist Church, with Rev. Mark Mercer and Rev. DeWayne Atkinson officiating. The Interment followed in the Douglas City Cemetery. Active Pallbearers were: Jeremy Newell, David Coley, Larry Roberson, Michael Veal, Steve Crosby, and Mac McCrary. Honorary Pallbearers were Members of the Men’s Adult Sunday School Class, along with Donnie Brigmond and Ray Moon. Special Musical Selections, "I Can Only Imagine", was presented by Michelle Yawn, Crystal Fuller, Jeremy Newell, on the Guitar, and Rev. DeWayne Atkinson, on the Electric Guitar, "I Sure Miss You", was presented by Michelle Yawn, Crystal Fuller, Jeremy Newell, on the Guitar, and Rev. DeWayne Atkinson, at the Piano. "Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone" was rendered by DeeJae Griffin, Archie Rish, and Carla Rish, with CD Music. Ricketson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.