Charles Hunter Merritt unexpectedly passed away on September 21, 2020. He was the beloved son of Ronald (Ronnie) and Marion (Lottie (Hess)) Merritt, born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 29, 1982.
Hunter was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, hiking, off-road Jeeping, and all of nature and wildlife creatures. He was blessed to live in Colorado for several years and took full advantage of God’s natural beauty in that state, doing the things he loved with his adored Chocolate Labrador, Boomer, by his side. He enjoyed spending time with his loving Aunt Libby and Uncle Stan, exploring Colorado’s restaurants, historical sites, tourist attractions, and just hanging out. He was highly intelligent and very charming, two traits that led him to be the top salesman at both RSR Group and Exxel Outdoors. Hunter and Boomer were on the cover of many magazines as well as advertisements for tents and other outdoor gear. He loved music and going to concerts, trying new foods, and was an excellent cook.
Hunter graduated from Niceville High School in 2000. He was a proud member of the Key Club and on the NHS wrestling team. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida in 2007, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Hunter was a sensitive soul and the sweetest son, brother, and friend who always put the greatest thought in every gift and card he ever gave. He truly gave from the heart. He loved to entertain the room, make people laugh, and he was the best story teller ever. We will forever miss Hunter’s charismatic personality, his humor, and his love of life’s adventures. He will be forever missed and loved.
Hunter is survived by the love of his life, his Chocolate Lab Boomer; his parents, Ronnie and Lottie Merritt of Niceville, FL; brother Clint (Kristen) Merritt of Gulf Breeze, FL; sister JoAnna (James) Johnson of Charlotte, NC; nieces and nephews Caleb and Logan Merritt, Taylor Moreau, Ayla and Dylan Johnson; Aunts and Uncles Kay and Jim Simms, Buddy and Janice Hess, Libby and Stan Guess, Linda and Bill Miller, and numerous cousins and friends.
A memorial Mass will be held Monday, September 28, 2020 at 10:00am, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Niceville, FL. All are welcome.
We know our Hunter is at peace now. Please, in Hunter’s memory, hug your loved ones a little tighter today, call that family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, and consider making a contribution to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). If you are having feelings of hopelessness, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).