1963-2024
Phillip Lamar Merritt, “Foam”, 61, passed away on October 27, 2024, in Pine Bluff, AR at his home. He was born on August 1, 1963, to Gloria Mayfield White and the late John Phillip Merritt.
Phil grew up surrounded by the love of his family. He was someone who knew how to love his friends and family. He was there for the people he cared about, and if you were lucky enough to be one of his people, you felt his love and support.
Phil is survived by his mother, Gloria White; sister, Sharon Merritt Bumpass (Bill); brother, Greg Merritt (Kim); niece, Kristen Davis (Todd); nephew, Wesley Bumpass (Ellie); great nephews Cash Davis and Cruz Davis; friend, Richard Maxwell and many more. His family remembers him as a pillar of strength and love, whose memory will always bring a smile and warmth.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Phillip Merritt, his maternal grandparents, Willard and Beatrice Mayfield, paternal grandparents John and Vera Merritt and best friend Joey Dempsy.
Phil’s love for sports started at an early age, when he was climbing his grandmother’s fence to the Boys Club at 8th and Oak. That became his second home. He played and coached every sport. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1981 and continued with his passion for sports. Foam was an individual with a profound enthusiasm for sports, possessing the ability to recall stats pertaining to any game from any year. Watching sports and going fishing was what made him the happiest. Phil will be missed by his family and friends, dearly.
Arrangements for Phil are Friday, November 1st , 2024. There will be a visitation starting at 1:00 and a Celebration of Life at 2:00 at Robinson & Fuller White Hall Funeral Chapel in White Hall, AR. Celebrant Marty Shell will officiate.
