Private graveside services for Eugene Ray Merritt, 86, of Spring Hill, Florida and Nacogdoches, Texas will be held at the Old Palestine Cemetery in Alto, Texas. Mr. Merritt passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 in Nacogdoches. He was born March 19, 1934 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to Eugene Victor Merritt and Fances Louise McKinnis Merritt. Mr. Merritt lived in Oklahoma for many years and also lived in various other states during his career in the newspaper business. He also served his country as a U.S. Army veteran. Eugene is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Jackie Buzzard. He is survived by wife Karen Merritt of Spring Hill, Florida, daughter and son-in-law Terri Michelle Grogan (Tommy Lynn) of Alto, brother Chris Merritt of Germany, grandchildren Jason Reina and Rebecca Gatwood, great  grandchildren Madeline, Evan, Addyson, Brylee and Taylor as well as  good buddy Ben Boyett.