Kerry Merritt

Kerry Merritt, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, died on April 23, 2011. Born on May 15, 1925, to Lucy Bradley Merritt and George Joshua Merritt, he was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Rhea Merritt and Eugene Merritt and son in law Alec Beck. Kerry helped his parents with the family dairy farm and daily deliveries as he grew up in Lockhart, Texas. Upon graduation from high school, Kerry attended Texas A & M University for his freshman year until he entered the army infantry to serve in the European theatre of World War II. At the end of the war, Kerry returned to attend The University of Texas and served as President of the Ex Servicemen’s Association and testified before the US Senate representing the needs of the returning servicemen. At UT, Kerry was a member of Silver Spurs and was named a Goodfellow.

After graduating with a BBA in 1948, he was employed by Stripling-Blake Lumber Company, Inc., and rose to become President and Chairman of the Board. In 1954, he married Nancy Stripling and began a 56-year loving partnership. Their daughter Amanda Merritt Beck and granddaughters Alexandra and Merritt Beck brought great joy to his life.

With a strong sense of responsibility to his community, Kerry was recognized as a Life Director of the Seton Fund; served as President of West Austin Rotary, Chairman of Austin Better Business Bureau, Vice President of Austin Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Admiral of the Admirals Club. He also served on the boards of Laguna Gloria Art Museum, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Kanaly Trust Company of Houston, First City National Bank of Austin, and the National Lumberman’s Association. A Past President of the Lumberman’s Association of Texas, Kerry was recognized as Outstanding Texas Lumberman in 1979.

A lifelong Methodist, he enjoyed worship and fellowship at Tarrytown United Methodist Church. Kerry was a member of the Masonic Lodge and of Scottish Rite. He also enjoyed his affiliation with the local chapters of VFW and Purple Heart.

As an avid golfer, Kerry was a long time member of Austin Country Club and student of Harvey Penick. A member of the Golf Digest rating board, he was also proud to have been a founding member of Austin Golf Club and later named an honorary member.

The family is grateful for the exceptional care of Dr. Robert Raley, Dr. William Robinson, Dr. James Crout, Dr. Bernard Patten, Dr. Tetsuo Ashizawa, and Dr. Stephen Pearce, and caregivers from Nurses Case Management as well as the loving support of many dear friends.

A service of gratitude for Kerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Tarrytown United Methodist Church. Should you wish to make a memorial contribution, gifts may be made to Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703; The Seton Fund, 1206 W. 38th Street, #4200, Austin, TX 78705-1018; St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, 1112 W. 31st Street, Austin, TX 78705 or a charity of your choice.