October 1, 1962 – February 13, 2026
Jeffrey Lynn Merritt, age 63 of Decherd, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Highpoint Medical Center. A native of Franklin County, he was born in Winchester on October 1, 1962, to the late James Forrest and Louise (Green) Merritt. Throughout his life, Jeff worked several jobs including helping his parents on their cattle farm and working at several grocery stores. He was the assistant branch manager of several small loan offices, as well as the warehouse manager of a furniture store. He worked as a custodian at Nissan and eventually retired from Franklin County High School. Known for his smile, firm handshake, and great sense of humor, Jeff never met a stranger and loved and respected everyone. When dating the love of his life, Tammy, Jeff asked her why she would want to marry him. Her response was that he was kind, strong yet gentle, and fun to be around. Jeff laughed and said that the description reminded him of a golden retriever…it was the beginning of a wonderful love story and life together. A Christian, he grew up attending Cowan Church of Christ and recently was attending Owl Hollow Church of Christ and Monteagle Church of Christ. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Tammy Hill Merritt of Decherd; siblings, James “Jim” Forrest (Dava) Merritt III of Winchester, George William (Wanda) Merritt of Troy, Alabama, Janice Louise (D.J) Brock of Decherd, and Judith Arn Johnson of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews Visitation will be from 1-2pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
