Merritt, Robert Jr. (Age 86) of Pomfret, Maryland.

Obituary

"To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens."
Eccl. 3:1

Husband, Father, Mentor, Coach, and Friend…

Robert Merritt, Jr. (Bob) was born October 11, 1926, in Henderson, Kentucky. He was the son of the late Allena Grizzard. He had one sister who he looked up to and adored, the late Jessye Reese. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. While in high school, he was a stellar athlete and scholar. He received numerous awards for football, basketball, track and field, and citizenship and service.

He began college at A. and I. State College in Nashville, Tennessee, transferred to Maryland State College, now known as the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, where he graduated in 1951. After graduation, he served in the military for two years.

Returning home from the military, he began his teaching career in 1953 in Princess Anne, MD. In 1960, he moved to Charles County where he served as a Physical Education teacher at Pomonkey Junior Senior High School until 1969. He continued to serve in Charles County Public Schools in a variety of positions until he retired as a vice-principal from La Plata High School.

Sports were his passion. He coached track and field, football, and basketball, working with various age groups from junior high to semi- professional. During his long term illness, many of his players continued to keep in touch with him through letters, phone calls, and visitations. One of his favorite activities was watching sports whether it was live or on television. He watched football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and golf.


He was a caring and devoted husband of 58 years to Helen Merritt and a loving and wonderful father to three children, John, Natalie, and Robin. He enjoyed spending time with family at cookouts, reunions, and holiday celebrations. He was a generous man who offered encouraging words, time, and monetary support to anyone in need.

Bob peacefully departed this life on October 25, 2012, at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, MD. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his son, John, and daughter, Robin.

He leaves to mourn and celebrate his life and legacy his loving, devoted wife and friend of 58 years, Helen Merritt; his daughter, Natalie; his son-in-law, Will; his daughter-in-law, Bonnie; his granddaughter, Jessyca (Lionel); two great grandchildren, Darrius and A'Kiya; sister-in-law, Juanita; his cousins, Rod and Felicia(Benjamin) who was like a daughter; James Slater (Ann)and Walter who were like sons; Esaw Ford ( a special person who supported Bob and Helen as a chauffeur, fix-it-man, confidant, and friend); and a host of other relatives and friends.


His Viewing will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012 in the Chapel of THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland, 9am until time of Service, 11am. His Interment will be in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Maryland.