William A. (Billy) Merritt

William A. “Billy” Merritt, 88, of Tifton passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Cypress Pond Assisted Living in Tifton. A graveside funeral service will be held for Mr. Merritt at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Mineral Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Mitchell, Georgia, where he will be laid to rest. The Rev. Jim Martin will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.

Born April 11, 1934, in Sparta, Mr. Merritt was the son of the late Horace Allen Merritt and Bessie Kitchens Merritt. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Grace Powell, Jean Pike and Faye Daniels. He was a retired farmer and also retired from the Animal Science Department of the Coastal Plains Experiment Station after 30+ years. He received his degree in Animal Science from ABAC; and he was also a member of Zion Hope Baptist Church in Tifton.

Mr. Merritt is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Jo Merritt of Tifton; one son and daughter-in-law, Russell A. and Elaine Merritt of Mitchell; one daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Gregory Matson of Blakely; one step-son, Keith Covington of Blairsville, Indiana; three step-daughters, Glenda Mobley of Fitzgerald, Regina Sumner and her husband Gary of Tifton and Joni Nichols of Ocilla; one brother, Bobby Merritt of Mitchell; one sister, Alice Swann of Nashville; ten grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals of Tifton, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of local arrangements.