Eara August 'Ebbie' Merritt passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, December 15, 2018. He was 72, born in New Orleans, LA, raised in Metairie, LA and was a resident of Richmond Hill, GA for the past 24 years. Beloved husband of Teresa A. Merritt. Father of Eara T. Merritt, Graille E. Merritt, and Ari A. Merritt. Son of the late Eara J. and Grace Merritt.

Eara was a graduate of Louisiana State University New Orleans and Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. He retired from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with decades of service in New Orleans, LA, Sacramento, CA, Savannah, GA, and worldwide; a member and Study Team Leader of OVEST (Office-of-the-Chief Value Engineering Study Team) headquartered in Savannah, GA.

Eara was the original manager of the infamous T.Q. and the Top Cats and the band Seven in Metairie, LA. Eara was a founding partner of PACE Sound Company, which originated in New Orleans. He contributed greatly to his wife's dream of owning and operating her own dance studio in many ways, including designing and building the current "home" of Life Moves Dance Studio and being the star of their annual Christmas performance, Scrooge.

He was a very eclectic man, who was an avid lover of fast cars, music, animals, architecture and construction. He was a loving husband, proud father, and mentor to many.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life gathering on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at Augie's Restaurant, 6005 Jefferson Highway at 6:00 – 10:00pm in Harahan, LA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2018, at Consumed Church, 388 Longwood Drive, from 4:00 – 6:00pm in Richmond Hill, GA.