Maxie Thomas "Tommy" Merritt

Maxie Thomas "Tommy" Merritt, 75, passed from his earthly life into his heavenly home on February 10, 2022, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Tommy was born in Little Rock, Ark. on January 9, 1947, to Maxie Theodore and Mary Bethunia Abbott Merritt. He attended Little Rock Central High School, graduating in 1965. He was elected Vice President of the Student Body and was a delegate to Boys State. After graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He is predeceased by his parents and granddaughter, Erin Michelle Merritt. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 46 years, Leslie Snow Merritt; three sons, Arnie Shilling (Suzan), Andy Shilling (Sheri) of Alexander, Arkansas, and Brent Merritt (Lindsey) of Elk River, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and his very special friend, Mark Barnes of Fordyce who was more like a brother. A private service will be held at a later date under the direction of Dial and Dudley Funeral Home of Bryant, Ark. Donations in Tommy's name may be made to Saline County History and Heritage Society: P.O. Box 1712 Benton, Ark. 72018-1712. For full obituary: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.