Benson K. Merritt

Benson K. “Ben” Merritt, Age 81, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016. Preceded in death by his parents, Carmack and Frances Merritt; son, Douglas K. Merrit. Survived by his wife, Bonnie Jones Merritt; daughter, Deborah (Guy) Whitley; son, Mark (Cherry) Merritt; grandchildren, Chris Whitley, Shelley (Roy) Stricklin, Marquis and Ethan Merritt; great grandchildren, Dakota, Marshall and Eli Stricklin, Skylar Merritt; brother, Daniel (Buddy) Merritt; sisters, Nancy (James) Buskirk and Patricia Haswell; 8 nieces; 4 nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Ben was born in Granada County, Mississippi. He served his country in the United States Air Force both overseas and in the US. Ben started selling real estate in the early 1960’s for Cooper Realty Co., learning the business. He started Ben Merritt Realty, Development and Construction Co. developing several subdivisions in the Hermitage, Old Hickory and Mt. Juliet areas. In 1981, he retired from the real estate industry. Ben enjoyed his friends at his favorite golf course, Two Rivers, and played regularly. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of Hermitage Hills Baptist Church. Visitation with family from 3 – 7 pm Monday at Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 pm Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce, Mississippi with Dr. James Buskirk officiating. Visitation there will be one hour prior to the service. Ben will be laid to rest beside his son in Calhoun City Cemetery, Calhoun City, MS. Guy Whitley, Marquis and Ethan Merritt, Mark Beasley, Frank McPhail, Jr., Jarrod and Jerry Reese will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Two Rivers Golf Association, Harold Clark, Ace Cannon, Jody Dreadfulwater and Guy Parrish. Visit the online obituary: www.Parkermemorialfuneralhome.com