Billy Merritt Obituary

Billy Gene Merritt March 23, 1932 - April 2, 2024 ELIZABETHTON - -Billy Gene Merritt, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, age 92, of Elizabethton, Tennessee, met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as he transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Bill was born on March 23, 1932 in Elizabethton, TN, to Daniel Merritt and Dottie Ward Merritt. He had four siblings, Howard Merritt, Myrtle Sims, Ruth Oxendine, and Rev. Bobby Merritt. He grew up and spent much of his life in the Valley Forge area. He met and married Ethel "Peggy" Walker when they were very young. They had three children, Ron Merritt, Don Merritt and Debbie Merritt Odom. He began working at Bemberg Corporation as a very young man and retired after 44 years of service to the company. During that period, he developed great skills in woodworking and cabinet making. He truly enjoyed woodworking and "loafing". His beautifully crafted cabinetry can be seen in kitchens all across East Tennessee. Billy gave his life to the Lord and became active in service to God as an associate pastor, pastor's counsel, and Sunday School teacher in Churches of God throughout the area. His home church was Roan Street Church of God, at which he was faithful and active until the very end.

Billy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Ethel "Peggy" Walker Merritt; his father and mother; his brother, Howard; and sisters, Myrtle and Ruth.

Later in life he met Sue Robinson who became his loving and devoted wife for 32 years.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Merritt; his sons, Ron Merritt and Don Merritt, both of Elizabethton; his daughter, Debbie Odom of Elizabethton; stepson, Lynn Robinson; stepdaughter, Mikki Daniel; and his brother, Rev. Bobby Merritt; his grandchildren, Ron Merritt Jr., Donna Merritt Bare, Amanda Merritt Humfleet, Doug Odom, Becca Odom Woodbury, Amanda Stevens and Corey Smith; his great grandchildren, Chelsie Bare Barnett, Charli Bare Hyder, Macee, Andrew, Teddy, Luke, Andy, Mandi, Rachel, Kinsley, Lillian, Iris, Tom and one great-great grandson, Emerson Barnett (his boy). Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Roan Street Church of God with his long-time pastor and friend, Kenneth Bewley and Pastor Jody Bewley officiating. Friends may visit at Roan Street Church of God from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with service to begin at 7:00 PM.

Graveside services will be held on April 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Doug Odom, Ronald Merritt, Jr., Corey Smith, Zach Barnett, Eli Hyder and Brandon Kent. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at 1:15 PM on Sunday to go in procession to the cemetery.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and visiting Billy's obituary page. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Merritt family. Office phone (423) 542-2232; Obituary Line (423) 543-4917.