James H. Merritt

James Hubert Merritt, born March 18, 1927 passed away at his home with his family by his side Monday, September 1, 2008 at the age of 81. He was a member of Heritage Church of God. He was a Veteran of World War II. He worked for Power Equipment Co. for 35 years and was a water well driller in Florida for 7 years. After returning to Tennessee, he opened Merritt's Used Cars and owned it for 17 years, then was a newspaper carrier for The Daily Times for 8 years before retiring at the age of 80. He loved his route and all the friends he made. He was preceded in death by: the beloved mother of Guy and Janie (Alma Loveday Merritt); Parents, Frank & Eliza Merritt; Brothers, Floyd & Claude, Sr. Merritt; Nephews, Kenneth & David Merritt. Survivors include: Loving wife, Loretta Merritt; Son & Daughter-in-law, Guy & Jane Merritt of Oliver Springs, TN; Daughters & Sons-in-law, Janie & David Phillips of Harriman, TN, Jackie & James Quillen of Gate City, VA, Pat & Jerry Hughes of Surgoinsville, TN, and Tonya & David Bowles of Maryville; Grandchildren, Greg & wife Whitney Stidham of Bristol, TN, Ophelia & husband Joshua Edmonson of Mt. Carmel, Emily Bowles of Maryville; Sister, Ernestine Merritt of Strawberry Plains, TN; Brother-in-law & wife, Mayford & Winaford Young; Sister-in-law, Shirley Jones; Sisters-in-law & husbands, Barbara & Lloyd Seaton, Roxie & Earnest Reagan, Lois & Luther Reagan, Lena & Walter Price; Brother-in-law, Kenneth Young; and a host of nieces and nephews. Faithful companion, Rachel, his dog. Funeral service will be at 7:30 PM, Thursday, September 4, 2008 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. Jordan Amburn and Rev. Al Bowles officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 5, 2008 at Grandview Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 PM, Thursday, September 4, 2008 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James H. Merritt please visit our Sympathy Store.