Merritt, first layperson to serve as principal, passes away

By The Catholic Week
Wayne Merritt, who was the first layperson to serve as principal of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, passed away Jan. 16 at the age of 86.
Merritt had a 45-year career in education and was also the first layperson to serve as principal of Pensacola Catholic High School. A Mobile native, Merritt was principal at McGill-Toolen from 1973-1993. Altogether, he served for 33 years at McGill-Toolen in several positions.
Merritt was also a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church in Mobile. He was awarded the Christ the King medal by the Archdiocese of Mobile in 2016.
Merritt was born July 8, 1938, in Tallahassee, Fla., to the late William and Leonora Merritt. He graduated from Pensacola Catholic and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from Catholic University of America.
In retirement, Merritt was a math tutor for grade school students. 
Merritt was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Merritt; sister-in-law, Maire Merritt; and brother-in-law, Frank Fox. Merritt is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; siblings Joan Fox and Diane Haddock (Andy); three children, William Merritt (Theresa) Tara Burgess and Beth Watson (Rob); grandchildren Sara Burgess Layton (Noah), Parker Burgess, Anna Watson, Claire Watson and William Merritt; and great-grandchild Amelia Layton. 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Merritt’s name to Pensacola Catholic High School, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Holy Family Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A memorial Mass honoring and celebrating Merritt’s life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11 a.m. April 12. The family will hold a private interment at a later date. Arrangements are by Ascension Funeral Home.