Columbus, MS-Mr. Joseph "Joe" Merritt, 69, of Columbus, MS, formerly of Roswell, died March 16, 2006. Born in Atlanta to Hoke Smith and Bertha Mae Hardeman Merritt, Joe had worked as a manager for Western Union Telegraph Co. and then as chief of security for Bigbee Transportation until his retirement. He was a member of the U.S. Jaycees, Lion's Club and was the Charter President of the Sertoma Club of Columbus, MS. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Taylor Merritt. He is survived by his daughter, Melanie M. Amodeo of Houston, Tx; sons, Michael J. Merritt of Columbus, MS, and Marty R. Merritt of Dallas, Tx; brother, James Allen Merritt of Gulfport, MS; grandchildren, Danielle Nicole Merritt, Dustin Michael Amodeo, Zachary Cole Merritt, Alia Alexandra Merritt, and Laura Elizabeth Merritt; also, his former wife, Jodie Merritt Napier. Funeral services will be held on Sunday March 19, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Thomas Merritt officiating. Interment at Roswell Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday March 18, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Northside Chapel Funeral Directory and Crematory, 12050 Crabapple Rd., Roswell, 770-645-1414 (www.northsidechapel.com). A memorial service and visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbus, MS on Tuesday March 21, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cancer and Heart Research Programs or the Eggleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.
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