Russell Merritt

1st Sgt. Russell Merritt, USA, Retired, age 81, of Box Springs, Georgia passed away peacefully at home on Saturday April 2nd, 2022.  Mr. Merritt was born on February 20th, 1941 in Broxton, Georgia, the son of Carl and Sarah Smith Merritt.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Ursula Merritt and two sons, Floyd Dean Merritt and Dale Steven Merritt.

Mr. Merritt served over 20 years in the United States Army, enlisting in 1957 and retiring in 1978.  He was a Vietnam veteran, earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with “V” device and Army Commendation Medal, among other recognitions.  After retiring from the Army in Georgia he built and sold a successful business and raised cattle on his farm in Box Springs.

The family will receive friends for the viewing Saturday, April 9th, 2022 from 12 PM until 2 PM at Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, Georgia.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 2022 at 2 PM at Sims Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Tim Carver officiating.  Interment with full military honors follows at Reedy Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, Broxton, GA.

Memorials may be contributed to a local American Legion. (www.legion.org)

Obituary submitted by family.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.simsfuneralhome.org.

Sims Funeral Home, Douglas, GA is in charge of arrangements.