Overton Merritt, Jr.

Overton Merritt Jr., age 78 transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Friday, November 24, 2023.

Overton Merritt Jr. was the second child to the late Overton Merritt Sr. and the late Beatrice (Hendricks), born on September 5, 1945.  He was preceded in death by Mrs. Gayle Merritt, and daughter Kimberly Michelle; 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Byron, Ronald, Vanetta, and Yvonne Merritt; 2 nephews, Ewing (Gillie) Abernathy and Shawn Bransford.

Overton was also known as O, Big O, or Junior to his close friends and family.  At an early age, he professed his belief in Christ and was baptized at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church.  In addition, he received his formal education from Haynes Elementary to Haynes High School.  He was a graduate from Tennessee A&I University, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology. After graduation, he served four years in the United States Air Force and 2 years in the Air Force Reserves, as an Air Policeman. Afterwards, Junior was employed as a Policeman for the Metro Police Department (MPD) for 31 years.  His duties included working in the Booking room and serving on the DUI task force. After retiring from the MPD in 2001, he continued to work as a Traffic Controller and Security Officer.

Junior enjoyed skating at the "Open Air Skating Rink", the "Hippodrome" and various skating rinks throughout Nashville, TN.  He continued to skate up and into his seventies.  He loved being the life of the party by ensuring everyone had a good time.  He was a jokester and comedian.  Whenever he was around, you were guaranteed to laugh.  Junior never met a stranger.  He was incredibly friendly, extremely talkative, and would always "talk your ear off".  He was also very stylish. He enjoyed astronomy, mathematics, golfing, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

On July 4, 1999, Junior married Mildred Elaine Phillips in Las Vegas, NV.  Together, they enjoyed traveling the world.

Junior leaves to cherish his memory, devoted wife, Mildred Merritt; devoted son, Kenneth Merritt; devoted daughter, Princess (Toya) Rodgers; stepson, Herbert Larry (Heather) Phillips Jr.; stepdaughter, Pamela (Kevin) Prymer of Powder Springs, GA; grandson, William Ford Rodgers; devoted sisters, Jean Patton, Elaine (George) Monfort of Decatur, GA, Valeria Smith of Joelton, TN, and Andrea Lynn Woodruff; sister-in laws, Nellie Merritt of Louisville, KY, and Belinda McLin; devoted nephews, Damaris Woodruff and Joshua Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; devoted cousin, Charles Hendricks; and devoted friends, Winston Davidson, Peter Odom, and William Tribue.