William Franklin Merritt, age 77, Broxton, GA passed away on Monday, January 3, 2011 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Merritt was the son of the late William Daniel and Alfie Christopher Merritt. Mr. Merritt was preceded in death by brother: Butler Merritt, sisters: Mamie Lee Graham and Mildred Branch. He was a self employed mechanic. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home with burial following in the Reedy Branch Church Cemetery. Survivors include: wife: Shirley Railey Merritt, Broxton, GA; sons: Billy (Selena) Merritt, Franklin (Donna) Merritt, Broxton, GA; brother: James Merritt, Broxton, GA; sister: Eva Bowen, Broxton, GA, Evelyn Gillespie, Douglas, GA; 8 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home. Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.