Roy O Merritt
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Roy's obituary
My cousin Roy was a very simple man with a really big heart. He became a tremendous part of our immediate family when we relocated to Georgia in 1985 and was able to greatly assist Julia P Lewis (our Mom who was usually in her wheelchair), his 1st cousin, by becoming 'her legs', in running all sorts errands, being a travel partner and in general helping around the house.
Roy was quiet, keeping to himself and if you did not know he was in the room, you could easily miss him. Roy was extremely self-sufficient and never asked for anything.
After helping Mom for almost 30 years, in the summer of 2009 when Julia P transitioned, there was no doubt that Roy would remain living with us. He was part of our Family. He was able to be present for our Mother during those times when my sister and I were both either too busy or too pre-occupied with whatever else we 'thought' was important at the time. I can recall the times of Mom saying she would 'flip a wheelie' as her way of fussing at Roy to clean-up
Roy did not say much, but when you asked him to do something, you knew it would get done. And if you were going to visit family, you knew Roy wanted to come.
There was nothing more important to him than his connection and desire to be around his Family...all Family no matter what side or level of relationship. While he definitely enjoyed supporting students and higher education (with his daily contributions through the Georgia Lottery), his love of family was unparalleled. Those times around Family would be the times you could see Roy interacting and ready to tell a story. He seemed to know a little something about everyone.
We are extremely grateful Roy was able to do what he did and he will be missed.
Sincerely His Cousins,
Wayne and Regina Lewis
Obituary
Roy Otis S. Merritt was born on
December 7, 1943, in Wray, Georgia to Anna Wootson Merritt and Lorenzo Merritt Sr. He transitioned from this life on July 7, 2021, after being hospitalized.
Roy’s family moved to Chester Pennsylvania when he was around the age of seven. Roy attended schools at the Chester Upland School District. He joined the US Navy. Roy worked at The Sun ShipYard and The Metro Barrel Factor. He was a Caregiver. He did Security and Retail.
Roy accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Beans and Hammer knocker were two of many of his nicknames. Roy had a quiet, humble spirit. He was an independent and sociable person. He loved family and enjoyed gardening. He loved R&B music and was an excellent dancer. One of his favorite artists was James Brown.
Roy lived in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and California but he moved back to
Georgia. He spent the majority of his years living with his cousins Julia P., Wayne, and Regina Lewis. Roy was close to his cousins the Cummings family.
Preceded in death by parents Lorenzo Merritt Sr. , Anna Sudler, and stepfather Harold E. Sudler Sr. Two brothers Roscoe F. Merritt and Harold E. Sudler Jr. One sister Katherine Merritt stillborn. Special cousin Julia P Lewis.
He leaves to mourn two brothers Lorenzo Merritt Jr.(Ethel)of Cecilton Maryland and James Sudler(Natasha)of Newark Delaware. Eight sisters Helen Johnson of Winter Haven, Florida. Annie Corbin-Smith, Delois Bilal, and Edith Harris of Chester Pennsylvania. T. Sybrenia Birch of Townsend, Delaware, Hannah Regis(Joseph) of Newark, Delaware. Elsie Sudler of New Castle, Delaware, and Anna Yardley(John)of Newark, Delaware. Three Aunts Phyllis Williams of New Castle, Delaware, Alice Wootson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Gloria Lackey of Claymont, Delaware. A host of Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, and Friends.
We Miss You, Roy.
Lovingly Submitted,
The Family
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