Merritt
WAYCROSS — Mr. Jody Rufus “J.R.” Merritt, Jr., 75, passed away Thursday (October 22, 2026) at PAM Health Speciality Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.
He was born September 26, 1951 in Clinch County to the late Jody Rufus Merritt, Sr. and Della Mae Thornton Merritt. J.R. followed in the footsteps of his father as a captain of a dredge boat for most of his life. He retired from Phillips and Jordan, and continued his maritime career as a trainer for SafeBoat International.
For the last few years, he has been employed by the Ware County Bus Transportation Department. J.R. was a member of Waresb oro Church of God, and he served in the U.S. Army.
Survivors include his wife, Lena Lindsey Merritt of Waycross; his sons, Michael Merritt (wife Karen), Cole Merritt (wife Amber), and Kelly Blocker (wife Lauren); grandchildren, Makiala Merritt, MaKenna Merritt, Karigan Merritt (Travis), Kensington Merritt, and Cohen Merritt; his sister, Jane Lindsey; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Music Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. today (Wednesday, October 28) at the funeral home.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.
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