Colonel Roy C. Merritt

Colonel Roy C. Merritt "Ret" of Knoxville went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as commander of the 844th Engineer Battalion during Operation Desert Storm. He was a member of Nehemiah Baptist Church in Knoxville. He was an avid golfer and competitive bowler. Preceded in death by mother and father Jeanette and Noah Merritt, brothers Tommy and Marvin Merritt, wife Shirley Merritt, and daughter Kristie Rutherford. Survived by sister Fran Stevens (Jimmy), daughter Dawn Merritt (Josh), granddaughter and husband Erica and Jamie Barr, grandsons Michael Cartwright, Chase, Roger (Alexis), and Hunter Rutherford, great-grandchildren Gage Barr (Cameron), Mackenzie Barr (Addison), and great-great granddaughter Gracee. The family will receive friends 1:00–3:00 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel, with a service to follow at 3:00 pm, Rev. Ritchie Turner officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.