Donald "Grit" L. Merritt

Donald L. "Grit" Merritt,83, of Chincoteague Island, VA, passed away Thursday, May 5th, while in the company of family members, at his residence. .
Donald was born in Chincoteague Island, VA on March 11, 1928, a son of the late Katherine (Bowden) and James H. Merritt.
He was a member of Union Baptist Church Chincoteague Island, VA and American Legion Post # 159.
He retired after 22 years active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Y. (McGee) Merritt of Chincoteague Island, VA; three sons, Donald Wayne Merritt and his wife Bonnie of Temperanceville, VA, Steven Merritt and his wife Cheryl of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert K. Merritt and his wife Jessie of Chestertown, MD; one daughter-in-law, Deborah Sparrow of Gainesville, GA; ten grandchildren, Donald Lee Merritt and his wife Julie of Gloucester, VA, Andrew A. Merritt and his wife Cynthia of Cape May, NJ, Amber N .Dufour of Pocomoke, MD, Curtis L. Merritt and his wife Krystal of Chestertown, MD, Jordan B. Merritt of Chestertown, MD, Nicholas J. Kendall of Chestertown, MD, Jullian Merritt of Virginia Beach, VA, Noah Merritt of TX, Stacey Sparrow and his wife Dawn of Pocomoke, MD, Sherri Millwood and her husband Derek of Gainesville, GA; fourteen great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and many special friends. He was predeceased by a son, Curtis Merritt, step son, Cliff Sparrow, a sister, Goldie Merritt, three brothers, Edward Merritt, Norwood Merritt, and James Merritt.
Friends are invited to call Saturday 7-9 PM. at Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. in Chincoteague Island, VA.
Funeral Service will be held at Union Baptist Church, Chincoteague Island, VA, at 2 PM on Sunday, May 8th, with Rev. Kevin Eley officiating.
Interment will be in the John W. Taylor Memorial Cemetery, in Temperanceville,VA.
Flowers accepted or donations may be made to Hospice of Eastern Shore 165 Market Street Onancock, VA 23417.
Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. in Chincoteague Island, VA. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com

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