Wilburn Edward Merritt, Sr. was born on June 26, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. Affectionally known as “Cowboy”.  He was the eldest son of the late Wilburn Merritt, of Greensboro, GA, and Annie Kate Turner Merritt of Oglethorpe, GA.

At the tender age of six, Wilburn experienced the profound loss of his father. Atlanta became more than just his home—it became a vital part of his identity, shaping the man he would become and instilling in him a deep sense of pride that he later passed on to his own children.
By the age of sixteen, Wilburn had witnessed firsthand the challenges his mother faced as a single parent, raising six children during the 1950s and 1960s. Inspired by her strength and determination, he made the difficult decision to leave school and enter the workforce to help support his family and care for his younger siblings.

Despite his early sacrifices, Wilburn understood the importance of education. Determined to complete his schooling, he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend Job Corps, as the Atlanta location at the time only admitted women. With the support and sacrifice of his mother, who helped him secure a bus ticket, Wilburn pursued his education and successfully earned his GED.

After completing Job Corps, Wilburn returned to Atlanta and began working at the Fulton County Courthouse as a maintenance worker. He later took a similar position with the health department. Though these roles helped him provide for his family, Wilburn knew he was capable of achieving more. Motivated by a desire to grow and serve, he enlisted in the United States Army.

Following his enlistment, Wilburn completed basic training and was later stationed in Europe, where he trained as an auto mechanic. During his time in the military, he had the opportunity to travel to various countries and states, broadening his perspective of the world. He took great pride in his service and in fulfilling the promise he made to his father—to care for his family.

Unfortunately, his military career was cut short when he was diagnosed with a health condition that would remain with him for the rest of his life. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Atlanta.

After returning, Wilburn met and married Cecil Mae Brown and together they had two children (Dionne and Ed). Though their marriage eventually ended, they remained lifelong friends and committed co-parents, maintaining a strong bond for the sake of their children.
Later in life, Wilburn met Annie Mae Pearson, with whom he had one child (Tracey). The two were united in marriage on October 22, 1982, and built a loving life together that spanned 43 years.

Wilburn was a man of simple joys and strong presence. He had a deep love for sports, especially basketball, which was his favorite. In his younger years, he could often be found playing on courts throughout Atlanta, building friendships and memories through the game. He also had a great love for music, with The Temptations being his all-time favorite group. Whether listening to their timeless hits, playing a game of pool, enjoying cards, or trying his luck with the Georgia Lottery, Wilburn embraced life in his own way.
He never met a stranger—people naturally gravitated toward him. Though he was a bold spirit and a man of few words, his presence spoke volumes, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

On April 3, 2026, Wilburn departed this life. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilburn Merritt; his mother, Annie Kate Merritt (Brown); his sister, Darlene Merritt Daniel; his brothers, James Merritt, Eric Leon Merritt, and Angelo Merritt; his sister, Dorothy Merritt; his niece, Anissa L. Gresham; and his nephews, Anthony Laquin Daniel and Aundrea Lazar Daniel.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Annie Mae Merritt; daughters, Erma Dionne (Merritt) Davis (Tony Davis) and Tracey Ann Merritt-Smith (Gerard L. Smith); son, Wilburn Edward Merritt, Jr.; grandchildren, Jordan Davis, Jalen Davis (Alisia Davis), Cecily Davis, Alexa Merritt, Ariana Deseree Merritt-Lockwood (Lliam Lockwood), Jaxon Merritt, and Morgan Leigh Smith; great-grandchild, Jasai Amari Lockwood; along with a host of other loving relatives, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.