Clifford D. "Bob" Merritt, 79, of Dahlonega, died March 23, 2017.

Bob was born May 28, 1937 in Gravel Ridge, Ark. He had lived in Dahlonega for the past 15 years. He was a former resident of Cincinnati and Little Rock, Ark.

He was a deacon at Dawsonville Baptist Church.

He was the publisher of the 400 Edition newspaper for a number of years.

Bob was the son of the late Jack and Wilma Holiman Merritt; and was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Merritt; brother, Arthur Merritt; sisters, Mary Ruth Van Luven; and son-in-law, George Stauber.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Merritt of Dahlonega; daughters and son-in-law, Becky and Paul Webberson of Rogers, Ark., Ellen Stauber of Little Rock, Ark.; four stepdaughters; brothers, Ronnie Merritt of Dawsonville and Billy Merritt of Houston, Texas; sister, Ellen Vaughn of Georgia; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; various other relatives survive.

A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. March 26 at Dawsonville Baptist Church in Dawsonville with the Dr. Jim Gaines officiating.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega was in charge of the arrangements.