Mr. Andrew Johnson Merritt, age 87, of Colquitt, died Sunday, November 22, 2009, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 24, at 3:00 p.m. at Bellview Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Mounts and Rev. Andy Merritt officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jamie Merritt, Jeremy Merritt, Justin Merritt, Allen Isler, Haolin Wang, and Donald Brown, Jr.

Mr. Merritt was born October 13, 1922 ,in Baker County to the late Bert and Katie Merritt. He was a Disabled American Veteran of World War II serving his country at the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in Bastogne, Belgium, for which he received the Purple Heart. Mr. A.J. was a retired farmer and a member of Bellview Free Will Baptist Church, where he served as an usher for many years.

He is survived by two sons, Roger W. (Helga) Merritt and Andrew B. (Patsy) Merritt, Colquitt one daughter, Debra M. (Sidney) Reynolds, Colquitt, GA; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Zoie M. Wright of Bainbridge.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Oleen H. Merritt; one sister, Geraldine M. Smith; and one brother Wonzie W. Merritt.

Colquitt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.