Vernon Ray Merritt Sr.

Published 12:01 am Friday, May 22, 2015

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March 6, 1951 – May 21, 2015

NATCHEZ — Services for Vernon Ray Merritt Sr., 64, of Natchez, who died Thursday, May 21, 2015, in Brandon, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Southerland officiating.

Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be at 5 to 8 p.m. today and at 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, both at the funeral home.

Mr. Merritt was born March 6, 1951, in Natchez, the son of Vernon Felix Merritt and Ruth Dooley Merritt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Carlton “Hippie” Merritt; and one sister, Linda Callahan.

Survivors include four children, Vernon Ray “Buddy” Merritt Jr. of Kingwood, Texas, Melissa Elizabeth Merritt of Ridgeland, Brian Joseph Merritt of Brookhaven and Chris Glen Merritt of Terry; 10 grandchildren, Briana McLaughlin, Marlee Merritt, Scott Whitley, Christopher Brian Merritt, Kristyn Suzanne Merritt, Colby Merritt, Mason Merritt, Amy Taggart, Chris Rogers and Kaley Landrum; two great-grandchildren, Finn McLaughlin and Caiden Merritt; two sisters, Nelda Seyfarth of Natchez and Betty Holyfield of Brandon; and two brothers, Bobby Merritt of Stanton and James Merritt of Natchez.

Pallbearers will be Shane Merritt, Christopher Merritt, Scott Whitley, A.J. Vargas, Joey Heidel, Dale Angles, Jamie Mathis and Harry Isbell.

Memorials may be made to Sta-Home Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.