Steve J. Merritt

This obituary is posted as a courtesy for Southerland Funeral Home and the Merritt family. Mr. Steve J. Merritt, 70, of Panama City, FL, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Vitas Healthcare. Steve was born on December 21, 1951 in Blakely, GA to Mitchell A. and Johnnie Mae (McDonald) Merritt. Steve graduated from Early County High School in 1969. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. After the war, he married the love of his life, Margaret (Salter) Merritt and they settled in Panama City, FL. They celebrated 50 yrs. of marriage on June 25, 2021. Steve is survived by his wife Margaret Merritt; son, Eric Merritt all of Panama City, FL; brother, Alan Merritt and wife Darlene of Blakely, GA; two grandchildren, Matthew Morris and wife Michelle, Daniel Morris and wife Kayla all of Panama City, FL; four great-grandchildren, Brayden, Damon, Greyson and Granger; and several nieces and nephews. Steve is preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Mona Merritt. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 3438 Token Road, Panama City, FL, 32405. He will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, May 15, 2022 in Blakely Cemetery, Blakely, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sims Veterans Home, 4419 Tram Rd, Panama City, FL 32404 in memory of Steve J. Merritt. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at www.southerlandfamily.co