James Franklin Merritt Jr.

James F. Merritt Jr, age 91 of Cleveland, Ga passed away on April 1, 2022 He was born on September 19, 1930, to the late James F. Merritt, Sr. and Violet (Fowler) Merritt in Cumming, Ga. He attended the University of North Georgia and graduated from UGA. He was an avid UGA fan and often took his young son to the UGA football games during the Vince Dooley and Erk Russell era. He retired as Chief of Plan Formulation Branch, Planning Division of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. After his retirement, he and his wife built their dream home in Cleveland, Ga where they eventually moved fulltime from their Atlanta Home. They enjoyed many great family gatherings and get togethers throughout the years. He kept busy working on his land and growing great gardens with his wife. His favorite past time of late was riding his zero-turn lawnmower and working to keep his lawn pristine. He loved the great outdoors and anything agricultural. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Merritt Ploudre and stepson, Danny E. Cantrell. He is survived by his wife Ellie Lou Merritt, son, James F. Merritt, III; grandson, James F. Merritt, IV; daughters-in-law, Darlene London-Merritt, and Dianne Cantrell; granddaughters, Lisa Cantrell Francingues, Angela Cantrell Leahy; nephews, Dave Ploudre, Tony Ploudre, Louis Ploudre, and niece, Maria Ploudre Monier as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. Private family services will be held. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit. www.barrettfuneral.com Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland Ga 706-865-3101