Wendell Lamar Merritt

On December 4, 2025, Wendell Merritt, of Clinton, Mississippi rejoices in Glory. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Lamar Merritt and Grace Beatrice Goss Merritt of Moselle, Mississippi , his sister Esther Ruth Moore (Charles) of Ridgeland, Mississippi, and brother Thomas Ray Merritt (Jeannette) of Ellisville, Mississippi. He is survived by his wife, Jo Merritt, daughter Nicole Bailey (Clinton), grandchildren, Jack Bailey, Glenn Bailey, Grace Bailey, and Ella Bailey, all of Clinton, Mississippi. Wendell was born in Moselle, Mississippi where he graduated from Moselle High School. Soon after graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served four years in the Philippine Islands. When returning to Jones County, he met the love of his life, Jo Merritt and lived in Laurel, Mississippi for a short time prior to moving to Jackson, Mississippi. Wendell and Jo have one daughter and four grandchildren. Wendell worked for RLI Insurance Company where he was lead sales representative. While at RLI, he worked in numerous capacities, sales coach, mentor, teacher, and sales. Those who worked for Wendell loved him and his capabilities to lay out a plan for success. He would have been known as a “transformational” leader because he was able to draw a diverse team together to ultimately build a very successful business while also encouraging others to professionally grow. As he traveled many states to work with individuals to coach and mentor, the team grew stronger. Wendell also served as a lay pastor to several small rural churches because he felt a call to preach the gospel. His Christian faith was strong and, like his co-workers, friends and family were instinctively drawn to him. He never turned someone away if they needed advice, prayer, or just a listening ear. When they moved to Clinton from Jackson, he joined the men’s breakfast group, meeting at local restaurants. He had a smile and sense of humor that drew people in and made them feel at ease. Wendell, above all else was a strong Christian husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. When family needed him, he was there. His 65 year marriage to the woman of his dreams was as solid as it was when he first married her. His legacy is God, faith, family, friends. No one could have a better legacy than that. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation to Toys for Tots. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Wendell Lamar Merritt

November 9, 1938 - December 4, 2025