Ishmael Merritt, Sr.

Ishmael Merritt, Sr., was born on September 5, 1954 and went home to be with the lord on September 15, 2016. Ishmael Merritt better known as "Big Pop" was one of the wonderful sons born to Earl and Josephine Merritt. Ishmael Merritt, Sr. attended New Stanton High School and from there he went on to serve in the Armed Forces for 8 years. He loved being a soldier in the Army. Ishmael Merritt had a passion for many things. His favorite colors were blue , burgundy, black and red. His favorite NFL team was the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ishmael Merritt was a well rounded people person. He was a very giving individual that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was well known in his community for helping his neighbors. He even built a wagon for one of his neighbors. Above all, Ishmael Merritt loved hanging out on the weekends with his family and friends. He is well known for cooking on the grill, fishing, playing pool and dancing. Ishmael Merritt, Sr. was preceded in death by father, Earl Merritt, Sr. and brother, Earl Merritt, Jr. He is survived by his children, Ishmael "Lil Pop" Merritt, Jr.(Tamara), Tishawn A. Jones, and Te'neshia M. Jones; grandchildren, Anfernee Kirkland, Antonio Merritt, Alesia Merritt, Aaron Merritt, Za'Keya M. Jones, and Za'Mar J. Jones; mother, Josephine Merritt; siblings Ralph Merritt, Claude Merritt, Gregory Merritt, Donald Merritt, Darnell Merritt, Duane Merritt, Shonda Merritt, Katrina Merritt, and a host of other loving siblings; uncle Ishmael Sharpe; aunts, Grace Rodgers and Estella Brown; cousins Kim And Todd; nieces and nephews, Debra, Tynika, Tyreese, Tianna, Dereonte, Earl, Gregory, Terrence, Tamisha, Enrique, Joseph, Iesha, Claudia, and Donald, Jr.; special friends Dwight Johnson, Freddy Johnson, Martha and Shannon; and a host of great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Service Information Visitation Sunday September 25, 2016 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Cleo Williams Burns Memorial Chapel 3031 Moncrief Road Jacksonville, FL 32209 Funeral Service Monday September 26, 2016 11:30 AM Greater Mt. Salem Missionary Baptist Church 2335 Moncrief Road JACKSONVILLE, Florida 32209