Carter A. Merris' Obituary
MERRIS, Carter A., age 57, of Centerville and formerly of Waynesville, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at the James Cancer Center in Columbus.
Carter graduated from Waynesville High School, class of 1984. He was born into a family with ten other siblings who all proudly served their country in various military branches. Carter honorably served in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of a foreign war. Specifically, he served in Germany during the post-WWII era, before the Berlin Wall came down, which was still considered occupied territory.
After leaving the Air Force, he worked for Davy Tree Service in California before returning to Ohio. For the last 25 years, he has been an Electronics Service Tech at SSK Industries in Lebanon, working side by side with his brother William.
Carter’s steadfast love of the country and its history defined him, and this was most obvious in his wardrobe of patriotic T-shirts and hats with the American flag or “We the People” slogans. He also dutifully honored Veterans Day, Memorial Day, 9/11 Remembrance Day, and Independence Day by lining the front yard with flags each year. His most notable contribution to remembering American history came in the form of his annual video recital of the Declaration of Independence, along with an explanation of its significance, which he posted on Facebook. Remarkably, he did this strictly from memory! It was an inspiration to everyone interested in true history.
His other interests included watching movies, reading, and regularly showing his mischievous side by pranking his wife and siblings. He once secretly drove to North Carolina while he and Tammy were still dating to surprise her. He dressed as a hobo and sat outside his future wife’s job with a “Will work for food or Tammy” sign.
His favorite movies included Beer Fest, Hot Tub Time Machine, Super Troopers, and White Christmas, but 1776 was the annual must-watch movie on the 4th of July. His favorite book was Atlas Shrugged, written by Ayn Rand, and he read it many times. His favorite music included classic rock and Jimmy Buffett, however he usually preferred talk radio, where he could stay up to date on current events and political discussions.
More importantly than his varied interests, Carter drew his energy and happiness from spending quality time with family. They were his heart and soul. He was often the first to arrive at the numerous birthday parties, picnics, and holiday celebrations and one of the last to leave. To those who knew him, Carter will always be remembered as an eternally kind, soft-hearted, and sentimental man who loved his wife and family unconditionally. He was everybody’s rock, their biggest supporter, and their most trusted friend. His zest for life, family and friends gave him a smile that would light up a room.
Carter was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Doris Merris, and one sister, Doris Pino. He is survived by his wife of eight years, Tammy; eight brothers, Charles, Stanley (Deb), Patrick (Lisa), Warren (Jean), Dennis (Karen), Richard (Kay) Jr., Phillip, and William Merris; and one sister, Jana Young.
The family will receive friends from 12 - 2 PM on Saturday, February 3, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A life celebration service will immediately follow the visitation at 2 PM at the funeral home. Celebrant Katie Mackoway will be leading the life celebration service. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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