Greg Merritt Obituary

Merritt, Greg A.

72, of Tampa, FL. passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, with his wife and son by his side. He had battled Amyloidosis and Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML) for over a year. Born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, he attended The University of Mississippi and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Greg moved to Tampa in 1986 and soon became a member of the Davis Island Yacht Club, where he pursued his love of sailing and, later, power boats.

He married his wife, Dawn, in September 1999, and welcomed their beautiful son, George Charles "Chad" in July 2002, who is now in the Air Force ROTC program at The University of South Florida and hopes to pursue a career as a fighter pilot.

Some of Greg's many hobbies were both sailing and power boats, racquetball, hunting, skiing, playing pool and traveling. He joined the Tampa Bay Rough Riders in October 2010 where he quickly became a very dedicated volunteer on many of their charity events. He was part of the Bar Committee as well as an avid member of the Rough Rider's billiard team. He was also a proud member of The Sons of the American Legion Post 138.

Greg was a wonderful, loving and kind human being who knew no strangers. He possessed warmth and charm, and was a true Southern Gentleman. He'll be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn; son, Chad; his mother, Jean R. Merritt; sister, Jeana Bennett (Bo); brother-in-law, Rick Barry; sisters-in-law, Denise Grotz and Susan Grotz; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cheri M. Barry and his father, George Durrant Merritt (both from Meridian, MS); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diane and John Kercher (Tampa); and brother-in-law, Dale C. Grotz (Venice, FL).

A Memorial Service will be held at 5 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 906 S. Orleans Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately following from 6 - 8 pm at the Davis Island Yacht Club, located at 1315 Severn Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Blood Cancer United or the American Cancer Society.

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