John William Merritt

John William Merritt, 78, of Sycamore passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Tift Regional Medical Center.

John was born on January 21, 1947 to the late Rupert Lenore and Mabel Grace Grotts Merritt. He served his country with honor and retired from the United States Army. He was also a retired truck driver having won numerous safety awards. As a truck driver, John competed in a national truck rodeo. John enjoyed wood crafts and building things in his shop. He also enjoyed fishing. John was an excellent shot and enjoyed target shooting. He is fondly remembered for his love of homemade chocolate chip cookies. His back porch was his sanctuary. He enjoyed sitting and watching birds and squirrels. Above all else, he loved his family. He was fiercely loved and will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lynne Merritt of Sycamore; daughters, Beth (Joe) Hudson of Franklin, Kentucky, Kris (Steve) Brown of Bakersville, North Carolina and Jennifer (Jeremy) Herrin of Tifton; sisters, Grace Haynes of Greenville, Illinois and Genevieve Mayberry of Morrisonville, Illinois; grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) Deal, Jacob Brown, Joey Behrend, Skylar Futch, Isaac Brown, Landon Iverson, Chris Hutchens, Ava Hudson, Liam Iverson, Sam Barbee, Andrew Barbee, Laiten Iverson and Hadalynn Herrin; great-grandchildren, Ethan Deal, Emelia Deal and Nova Rognstad. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that he loved as a father and grandfather and several sisters and brothers-in-law.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Jayme Lynne Merritt Barbee; three brothers; one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Perry Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Harmony Cemetery. The family will greet friends Monday, September 22, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Perry Funeral Chapel.