Merrit Stephens finished his long walk to the Lord on Monday, August 29, 2016, in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was 85. Merrit was motivated during his courageous battle with COPD by his priceless relationship with family, neighbors and the friends he made during every step of his humble yet amazing life. The son of the late Charlie K. Stephens and Ima Butler Stephens, Merrit was born in the bedroom of a farmhouse in Dillon County on August 18, 1931. The youngest of six children, he attended the University of South Carolina and served in the U.S. Army. While stationed in Battle Creek, Michigan, he met Patricia Jones, and the two of them would become one in marriage for 56 years. Merrit’s gift of hospitality and his love for people made him a beloved hotel manager in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Victoria, Texas; and in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was known to treat everyone with kindness and dignity. Among his numerous awards was the honor of being named Innkeeper of the Year for the 2500 worldwide Holiday Inns in 1971. He served as a deacon at First Congregational Church in Kalamazoo and, after moving to Daytona Beach, attended Westminster By the Sea in Daytona Beach Shores. In retirement, Merrit gave his time to serve others through a ministry of availability, living out Jesus’ commandment to “Love your neighbors as yourself.” And he continued to make good friends through his long morning walks. Merrit joins Pat, who went to be with the Lord in 2009. Their love carries on with their two sons, Jeff (wife Anna) and Robert (wife Lenore), two daughters, Peggy Sparks (husband Vern) and Nancy Niewoonder (husband Ron), and eight grandchildren, Christopher Sparks; Michael and Trey Stephens; Stephen and Maggie Niewoonder; and Jacqueline, Noelle and Robyn Stephens. Merritt is also survived by two sisters; Mattie Lee Stephens of Dillon, and Margaret Richardson of Greensboro, NC; and one brother, Kromer Stephens of Dillon. He was predeceased by a sister Lois Lytch and a brother Craig Stephens. A memorial service was held Saturday, September 3, at Pinello Funeral Home, in Daytona Beach. Memorials may be made to the COPD Foundation (www.copdfoundation.org).
