Alfredo "Freddie" Merritt

October 28, 1953 - October 15, 2016

Alfredo (Freddie) Merritt was born on October 28, 1953 in Midland, Texas to the late William McKinley Merritt, Jr. and the late Eria Merritt. At an early age (approximately 8), Freddie accepted Christ as his personal Savior at St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Richard Woodard. Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Delouse Piggs. Freddie was a 1975 graduate of Midland Senior High School. Shortly afterward, Freddie began working for the Permian Basin Community Centers for Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR), which also operates under the name of Community Living and Environmental Workshop (CLEW) Vocational Services. Freddie was also active in the Special Olympics, where he was a State Qualifier in Track and Field. Freddie retired from CLEW in 2000. Freddie was a faithful servant of the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church and served in any capacity as needed. He was a committed member of the Goodwill Male Chorus, Senior Choir, and Praise Team. On July 1, 2007, Freddie was ordained as an Honorary Deacon at Goodwill under the leadership of Reverend J.W.T. Spies. Freddie's hobbies and interest included singing, dancing, lawn care, and drinking Dr. Pepper. He was also an avid fan of the MHS Bulldogs, Bobby Jones Gospel, Michael Jackson, and Flip Wilson. Freddie is survived by his two brothers, William M. Merritt, III (Betty) of Midland, and Earnest C. Merritt (Wanda) of Little Rock, Arkansas; four sisters Mary Johnson, Dollie Ball, Geneva Harris (James), and Belinda Merritt, all of Midland; his favorite cousin, Freddie Jones; and by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Viewing will be Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The family will also be receiving friends on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home Room B. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Earnest Merritt officiating. Burial will follow to Serenity Memorial Gardens. Funeral service is under the direction of Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home and Chapel.