Merrill N. Roberts

Mr. Merrill N. Roberts, age 86 of Griffin, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. Merrill was born on March 11, 1927 to the late Charles Robert Roberts and Evie Lee Toland Roberts. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Roberts and Lawrence Roberts; two sisters, Gail Wells, and Mazell Webb. He became a Christian in June 1941 at DeVotie Baptist Church at the age of 14. He was there until he joined the Navy in 1944 at the age of 17 and served over two years aboard the LST 500 in the European Theatre during World War II. When he was discharged from the Navy, he worked at Dundee # 1 Mill three years, U.S. Post office in Atlanta nine months, Sibley Electric Co. two years and Southern Bell 36 years, where he retired as a manager. Merrill joined Highland Baptist Church after returning from the Navy, and served there until he was transferred by Southern Bell to Marietta. He was a member of the Crestview Baptist Church in Marietta and served there. He worked at Southern Bell two and half years and then was transferred to the FFA at Hampton where he served for five years. When he returned to Griffin he became a member of DeVotie Church where he served in many different capacities. He was ordained as a deacon while he was there and was chairman of the deacons for two years. Merrill was made a manager and transferred to East Point where he was responsible for two offices. He was there for one year and was transferred back to the FFA at Hampton and was there six months and transferred to Griffin and was there for three month and then transferred to Athens. While at Athens, he was a member of Oconee Heights Baptist Church where he was an active member. Merrill was then transferred back to Griffin where he served the rest of his term with Southern Bell. Merrill joined the Grace Baptist Church when he returned to Griffin and served in many capacities. He was a member of Grace for 21 years and served as a deacon for two years. After leaving Grace he joined the New Hope Baptist Church and was there for three years where he served as a deacon for two years. Merrill has been a member of Southside Baptist Church since 1994 and has served as the Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher, on the computer committee, Financial Committee where he served four years and chairman two years. Merrill served at Renaissance Care and Rehabilitation Center in Griffin for more than 20 years leading Bible Study on Tuesdays. Merrill is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandra Ingram Roberts; son, Michael Roberts and wife, Jessica of Macon; son, Nathan Roberts of Lilburn; grandchildren, Ransom and Phoenix. Visitation for Mr. Merrill N. Roberts will be on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Dr. Don Drowdy and Dr. Mark Sellers will officiate. Interment will follow in Westwood Gardens with military honors.

Merrill N. Roberts

March 11, 1927 - October 22, 2013