Manley "Merritt" Wilson, Jr. Obituary (1955 - 2021)

Manley Merritt Wilson Jr. of Suches, Georgia passed away on April 22, 2021 peacefully in his sleep at the age of 66 at his youngest daughter's home (Amber) where he had been battling a severe infection. The funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm on April 24, 2021 at Dahlonega Funeral Home. Merritt was born on April 1, 1955 in Columbia, South Carolina. He grew up in Stone Mountain where he was a Stone Mountain Pirate. He lived on Lake Lanier for 29 years and loved the water. He retired from his landscaping company, Merritt Landscaping, Inc. and moved to Suches where he enjoyed mountain living at its finest. He was a gentle giant and loved by many. Merritt will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 41years, Dianne Wilson; daughters Brittany (Curtis) Henchel, and Amber Wilson; grandsons, Carson Merritt Henchel and Anderson Brooks Henchel; beloved German Shepherd, Sadie Grace Wilson; siblings in law, Mildred (Willard, deceased) Levi, Marie (Harold, deceased) Long, Marvine (Tommy, deceased) Crawford, Kathleen (Leroy) Head, Florine (David, deceased) Chastain, Patsy (Robert, deceased) Simmonds, Betty Dailey, Shirley Watkins, Larry Watkins; along with many friends and neighbors. Merritt was preceded in death by his father, Manley Merritt Wilson Sr. and mother, Alice Elizabeth "Betty" Wilson; sister, Martha Ann Wilson; brother, James Earl Wilson (Cheryl); siblings in law, Judy (Ronald) Troy, J.N. Watkins, Nathan Watkins, Joan Watkins, Rachel Watkins, Cecilia and Gary Rutledge. Merritt was one of the most positive and uplifting people in the world. He loved telling stories and could light up any room he walked into. He overcame so much pain and suffering while still being such a kind and compassionate man. Go rest high on that mountain...