Otis ?Dude? Merritt, 71

The retired owner of Merritt Nursery, a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Church of Christ, Highway 56 North, he was the son of the late Odus and Lillian Talley Merritt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Josie Fuson Merritt and John and Elva Wallace Talley; brothers, J.T. ?Bud? Merritt and Harold ?Sonny? Merritt; daughter-in-law, Sabrina Denise Luna Merritt and nephew Harold ?Bubba? Merritt.

He was married Aug. 6, 1959 to Patricia Jo Narramore Merritt of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children and their spouses, Paddi De Merritt Smith, Cappi Jo Merritt Jones and Randy, Zachary Todd Merritt and Tamara, Darrell Edward Merritt and Brett Wayne Merritt and Rebecca, all of McMinnville; seven grandchildren, Emme Sue Smith, Dakota Payton Jones, Sierra Leann Jones Denning and Terry, Tyler Edward Merritt, Tia Jade Merritt, Bran Wyatt Merritt and Josie Gayle Merritt; great-grandchild, Easton Everett Merritt; three nieces, Barbara Probst of Wisconsin, Deborah Kristopherson of Norway and Pam Hardin of Sparta; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Merritt of Sparta and Karen Merritt of Waterford, Wisconsin and great-nephew, Tony Probst of Wisconsin.

A graveside service and interment were held Tuesday, Dec. 26 at Faulkner Cemetery at Pike Hill with Harold Jones, Thurman Bennett, and Lynwood Mathis officiating.

High Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.