Deacon Reginald "Gene" Eugene Merritt I

A Time to Be Born: Mr. Reginald Eugene Merritt was born on December 11, 1964 in Washington D.C. to Arthur B. Merritt and Freida Y. Williams. He was blessed to be reared under the love, care and discipline of the late William and Ruby Merritt

A Time to Live: Reginald was educated in the Americus City School System, and he graduated from Americus High School in 1983. Reginald joined the Americus Police Department in May 1989 and was employed as an officer and detective. In January 2005 he decided to make a career change and began a new career with the Office of the Circuit Public Defender as an Investigator / Paralegal and was promoted to Chief Investigator and held that position until his passing.

A Time to Be Born Again: At an early age, Reginald accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended Cool Springs Baptist Church in Buena Vista along with his mother Ruby Merritt. Reginald later joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in the Media Ministry until 2020. In 2023, Reginald was ordained as a Deacon and served faithfully until his passing. 

A Time to Rest: On June 14, 2024, The Lord called him home from labor to rest. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing.

A Time to Mourn: Reginald was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur B. Merritt, William and Ruby Merritt, a daughter, Ruby Mattie Merritt, a sister, Pauline Jackson, a brother, Victor Lee Council, an aunt, Josephine Merritt and an uncle, Will Merritt

Reginald’s life and the love that he shared will forever be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Cathy Wakefield Merritt, his loving son, Reginald Eugene Merritt Jr. (Angelica); his stepdaughter, Ashley Simone Dukes (Fernandez); his beloved grandchildren, Madison, Hensley and Harper Merritt; his siblings, Jackie McFadden (John); Mary Edmonds, Leala Ann Harris (Thad), Joyce Ann Cutts, Detra Tymus, Emmanuel Merritt (Mary), Tremaine Williams (Kyscha) and Kenneth Lockhart, caregiver cousins, Wendy Adams, Vernita Sampson, Betty Jean Burton, and Annie B. Wilson, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters and brother in law, other cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.