Herman A. Merritt Jr.

February 25, 1942 – March 22, 2018

NATCHEZ –  Services for Herman A. Merritt Jr., 76, who died at his home in Natchez on Thursday, March 22, 2018, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Stan Buckley officiating. 

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. 

Herman was born in Hattiesburg on Feb. 25, 1942 and moved to Natchez in 1956 where he met his future wife, Shirley.

He attended Natchez High School, class of 1960.

  Herman was a longtime member of Parkway Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Herman was also a veteran.

Herman was an avid outdoorsman. 

He had a great love for the sport of hunting and fishing.

  One of his favorite pastimes was White Perch fishing on Old River and Lake Louie, where he became known as one of the local experts for those seeking advice on where the fish were biting.

He enjoyed giving out accurate fishing reports only to those who shared similar information!

Herman was also an avid fan of Mississippi State Athletics, especially football and basketball. 

He loved engaging in postgame discussions of what the teams did right and wrong and what they should do going forward.

Herman and Shirley loved visiting Branson, Missouri, and made many enjoyable trips there during their years together in retirement. 

Herman was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Most importantly he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

He took great pride in keeping up with the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and passing along those accomplishments to others. 

Herman is survived by his wife of 55 years Shirley Walker Merritt; son Blane Merritt and wife Laura Davidson Merritt of Atlanta, Georgia; and daughter Pam Merritt Bowman and husband Greg Bowman of Shreveport, La.; six grandchildren: Dr. Parker Merritt, Kristen Box, Leah Merritt, Caroline Bowman, Cooper Bowman, and Catie Claire Bowman; sister Becky Stringer and her husband Britton; and sister Patsy Chambers.

Herman was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Herman A. Merritt Sr. and his mother Pat Merritt as well as his brother David Merritt.

Pallbearers include Greg Bowman, Dr. Parker Merritt, Cooper Bowman, Jerry Walker, Dr. Britton Stringer, and Adam Box.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com