John Sterling Merritt

John S. MERRITT HAMPTON - John Sterling Merritt, 86, of Hampton, Va., passed away at home with faithful companion of 20 years, Lois B. Swaim, by his side on March 23, 2012. Born at Ft. Collins, Colo., on May 17, 1925, he was the son of John Dow Merritt and Alice Druceilla Merritt, early pioneers of Namwianga Mission in Zambia (Northern Rhodesia), where he lived 22 years and attended Milton High School in South Africa, residing in the House of Blue, making a name for himself in the hard hitting sport of Rugby. John's, better known as Sterling, rugged missionary life helped prepare him for his entrance into World War II in 1945. After navigating the intricacies of World War II, he went to college at Harding University and obtained a Degree in Art and begun reaching for the skies after acquiring his pilot licenses in 1947. Soon after, he decided to help defend America's borders and entered the National Guard in Shreveport, La. Sterling went on to work in Hollywood, as an art director, on the films "The Plastic Dome of Norma Jean" (1964) and "Sheppard of the Hills" (1965). His creativity would only start to surge as he began to write of his experiences and tribulations in Africa, with several authored books. Shortly after, Sterling relocated to the east coast where he settled in Virginia and began working for Virginia Specialty Stores (VSS), where he eventually retired. Virginia provided him with opportunities to continue his passion for the sport of Rugby. He played for the Norfolk Blues, at the ripe age of 67. Knowing no boundaries, he competed in the Senior Olympics in the Track and Field division. Finding retirement unsuitable for his energy level, he worked at Mariner's Museum Boathouse and volunteered his personal time to cleaning and maintaining Lake Maury. This prospect tapped into his love of the great outdoors, where he spent endless weekends fishing with loved ones. Sterling was an inspiration to all who knew him. Compiled with his wonderful humor, hard-working work ethics, soaring creativity and his love for the outdoors and simple things, Sterling found his way into the heart of every person he met. Sterling's eldest son preceded him death and now he joins John Sterling Merritt Jr. in peace. Sterling is survived by his five sisters, Iris Elder, Beth Moyer, Ruth Murphy, Roseland Graves and Georgia Estes; and brother, Roy Merritt. Sterling is also survived by one child with Doris Davenport Merritt, mother of Paula Merritt Windham and husband, Mike; and three children with Nancy Rose Merritt, mother of Sterling Heath Merritt, Michael Dow Brooks Merritt and wife, Joanna, and Brock Ian Merritt. Sterling has four grandchildren, Michael Windham, Christopher Windham, Jonathan Windham and Ivan Dow Merritt; and two great-grandchildren, Savannah Windham and Cayden Windham. A special thanks to Riverside Hospice nurses, Mary and Julia, for their immense compassion and Lois's unconditional love, support and unparalleled caregiving during Sterling's final days. It was in Sterling's wishes to not have a memorial service. Instead in his honor, memorials are to be sent to Namwianga Mission, c/o Roy Merritt, at ww.zambiamission.org. Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in Daily Press from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2012.