Willie Cleveland Merritt's Obituary
Willie Cleveland Merritt , 87. On December 29th 2021 the gates of Heaven opened for the return of an angel on earth.
Willie was born on July 20th, 1934, to Chester and Nobie Merritt in Homer Louisiana. After the passing of his parents, he was taken in by his older brother and sister in law Bernice and Juanita Merritt. He first served two years in active service in Alaska then finally resided in California as his final residence at the age of 19.
In the beginning of his new life in California he met a woman who became in his very own words “the love of his life” who later became his wife, Barbara Merritt. Willie and Barbara went on to become wonderful parents to their three children. Tonya , Anthony and Eric.
In the year 2013 After many years of hard work including his favorite career of being a proud owner of a tour company where he drove far and wide, he retired. That did not stop him from taking a long drive down an open road on a bright sunny day while listening to a baseball game.
Of many great things that Willie was known for his most valuable attribute was that he was truly a family man. He didn’t just raise his own children. He took the task of being his most infamous role a “Papa”. He had seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Amongst those children, though he did not play favorites he closely raised four of those grandchildren during trying times Laporsha, Taylor ,Deserae and Ericka. He never made excuses and never judged. You could count on him to be there and be on time ( 15mins early). He was everyone's number one supporter. Especially for his little girls.
There aren’t enough words to measure the greatness of such a man. He inspired, motivated and most of all loved without condition. The memories of Willie “Papa” will be with us in our hearts forever. May the Lord welcome him with open arms.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever “ Psalm 73:26
What’s your fondest memory of Willie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Willie?
Share a story where Willie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Willie you’ll never forget.
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