John Ceaphus Merritt, Age 60, of Venus, FL, passed away Monday February 13th, 2017 in Houston, Texas. John was born May 7th 1956 in Leesburg, Fl. He was a graduate of Florida Southern, Class of 1979. John was Vice President - Operations with King Ranch Florida. He enjoyed just riding the grove and the pastures looking at his cows and admiring Gods handiwork. John most cherished moments were simple. He loved spending time with family in the woods. John loved coon hunting with his grandsons. John loved hunting whitetail deer. His employees were not employees but his extended family. The evenings were spent riding over the day's accomplishment in the pasture, groves, and cattle. John attended Venus Methodist Church. John has a ranch in Texas and would spend time enjoying the wildlife and ranch development. Survivors are, his wife, Marty Boyd Merritt, Venus, FL, Daughters, Tina Janelle Clarke husband Donald and 2 boys Corbin & Caden of Lake Placid.; Kandice Lynn Browning husband Christopher with one son Boyd Lee of Arcadia, FL; Sons - Richard Dwight Merritt, II of Lake Placid and Thomas "Lee" Killmon wife Ashley have two boys Waymon & Myles of Arcadia. Mother: Mary Ann Merritt - Okahumpka, FL. Brother -Jerl Merritt with wife Sarah from Center Hill, Fl. and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his daddy Richard Dwight (Dick) Merritt; his brother Terry Merritt, and the mother of his children Janelle Sherk Merritt. A visitation for family and friends will be held 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, February 17, 2017 at the Memorial United Methodist Church 500 Kent Avenue, Lake Placid. A funeral service to celebrate John's life will be held 2 pm, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at the Memorial United Methodist Church of Lake Placid with graveside to follow at the Venus United Methodist Cemetery with Family Fellowship and supper at Rob Reynolds Hall/Memorial United Methodist Church to follow graveside.