Douglas Earl “Doug” Merritt, 65, of Bagdad, Florida, received his final checkered flag September 21, 2017.

Doug had countless friends, family and acquaintances, which loved him limitlessly. He was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Doug was a simple man that loved the Lord, his family and racing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him in homes and shops abroad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Julie Merritt; and two brothers, Clinton Merritt and Jacob Merritt.

Doug is survived by the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Hellen Merritt; children, Steven (Christy) Merritt, Iris (Jason) Beaudry; six grandchildren, Dylan (Amber) Merritt, Autumn (Henry) Bailey, Walker Merritt, Gueston Rogers, Allie Merritt and Jaycee Beaudry; one great-granddaughter, Bristol Merritt; two brothers, Mike (Cathy) Merritt and Toby Merritt; brother-in-law, Jody Smith; and two sisters-in-law, Eva James and Pat Merritt; and a host of friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel, with Rev. Gordon Dillishaw officiating. Burial will follow services in Crain Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., prior to the service.

P.S. He did hate chicken!!!