Dr. Howard Braxton Merritt, age 84, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Monday, July 14, 2008 in the Fannin Regional Hospital. Born in Cairo, GA, on January 8, 1924, he was the son of the late K.H. and Ethel Chason Merritt. Dr. Merritt was a graduate of Mercer University, the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and International Seminary. He was a former pastor of First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge, Lakeview Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA, served for sixteen years as pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA and was pastor emeritus of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Dr. Merritt was a member of First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge. He loved gardening. Dr. Merritt served in the United States Marines in World War II. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrtle Williams Merritt; twin brother, Hansel Merritt; stepson, Tom Dunn. He is survived by his wife of eleven years, Jerrie Merritt of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Wayne and Susan Merritt of Avondale Estates; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Larry Milam of Cartersville, GA; step-daughter and step-son-in-law, Robyn and Joe Pack of Blue Ridge, GA; step-daughter, Emily Dunn of Blue Ridge, GA; sister, Maurice Merritt Creek of Villa Rica, GA; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge with Dr. Larry Draper, Dr. Charlie Howell, Rev. Mark Kelly and Rev. David Whitener officiating. Music was provided by Ione O'Neal, Diane Horsley and Dr. Larry Draper. Pallbearers were Don Peak, John Patrick, Tracy Radebaugh, Harry Childers, Michael Howren and Grantland McGee. Interment followed in Chastain Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Fannin Christian Learning Center, 2324 East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge Building Fund, P.O. Box 2020, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.