Ernest Merritt

Mr. Ernest Dale Merritt, 43, of Hampton, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at MUSC in Florence.

Born August 3, 1978 in Hampton County, he was the son of Roger Dale Merritt and Shirley Prince Merritt.  He had worked at Elliott Sawmill for many years as a heavy equipment operator and maintenance.  He was also a firefighter with Nixville Fire Department.  Ernest, also known as “Big E” to his friends, loved fishing with his daughter Kaitlyn and working on the farm with his dear friend, Dr. Gunther Rencken.  He greatly loved being a firefighter.  Ernest never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone he could.  Most of all, he loved his family and his daughter, Kaitlyn, was his world.

Surviving are: his parents, Roger and Shirley Merritt; his wife, Kami Merritt; daughter, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Merritt; step children, Carie Herndon (Nick) and Bradley Herndon; brother, Chad Merritt (Kimberly); and nephews, Jason Merritt and Dominick Merritt; and a special cousin, Brandy Inman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 o’clock, Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Nixville Fire Department.

ARRANGEMENTS BY: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, VARNVILLE-HAMPTON CHAPEL, 1074 Yemassee Highway, Varnville; 803.943.5016.  Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.