William David Merritt

Mr. William David Merritt, age 62, of Clermont, Georgia, passed away Monday, March 26, 2012 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel with interment to follow in Gateway Memorial Park Cemetery, Cleveland, Georgia. The Reverend Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 pm Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at the funeral home.


David was born in Greenville, South Carolina and was the son of the late William V. and Vernelle (Marr) Merritt. He was an avid sportsman, he loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Mostly he loved the fellowship of the camp life that the sports afforded him. He began his career at Lake Lanier Islands in the early 1970's then in the early 1980's he established a construction business in the Gainesville area. He was blessed with the ability to look at a piece of land and envision the greatest use and thrived watching the transformation take place. He loved being a part of the Mossy Creek Campground Family. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Edward Pirkle

He served on the Board of Directors of Southern Heritage Bank and Gainesville Bank and Trust. His church membership is at First Baptist Church of Oakwood, GA, but most recently attended Trinity Methodist Church at Clermont, Georgia. He loved to worship with the First Baptist Church of Gainesville Radio Program.

David is survived by his wife of almost 42 years, Margaret Pirkle Merritt of Clermont; sister and brother-in-law, Marcia and George Jarvis of Clermont; brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Martha Merritt of Clermont; brother-in-law and wife, Wayne and Judy Pirkle of Clarkesville; sister-in-law and husband; Dianne and David Christopher of Alto; sister-in-law, Linda Austin of Clermont; mother-in-law, Viola Pirkle of Oakwood; nieces and nephews, Trey and Natalie Jarvis, Jennifer and Russ Chamblee, Will, Amanda and Matt Merritt, Angela Pirkle, Matthew and Ellie Pirkle, Steven and Holly Ward, Nathan and Jessica Wood, Kristie and Anthony Davis. Special aunt and uncle, Don and Christine Stephens. A number of great-nieces and nephews. His beloved niece Holly Ward donated him a kidney in 2007 and extended his quality of life for several years. She will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Flowers will be accepted, however, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite church or charity.


Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com