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Celebrating the life of
Russell James Merkert, Jr.
May 23, 1963 - February 10, 2024
Russell James Merkert, Jr., “RJ” died at Hospice Savannah on February 10, 2024. He was born in Long Island, New York on May 23, 1963. He was a beloved son, brother and uncle. He is survived by his mother and father, Faythe and Russ Merkert, and three sisters, Wendy, Hope, Jill and their families. He is also survived by his loving and devoted girlfriend of 20 years, Carolyn Spitzer and best friends, John and Elizabeth Shivas.
After having received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) he went on to earn a master’s degree from Georgia Southern University. He was a special education teacher and golf coach with the Chatham County School District for over 30 years. He was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2001. His spare time was spent working with students in the Mary Caulder Youth Golf Program and the Wounded Warriors. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed fishing with his father and following the Braves with his mother.
At his request, he was cremated and there will be no services. He will be missed.
A candle has been lit!
Remembering the great times we had. A wonderful man and beautiful, kind soul.
- Carolyn Spitzer & Harriet Martin, Savannah, Ga
I am so saddened by this life ending too soon. All God's love and strength to my friends family. He was my golf buddy and reality check at the same time. Can't say how sorely missed he will be in my life.
- Amanda and John Schlender , Wilmington Island , Georgia
He was a great cousin, he will be missed by me and our family. Remember the good times.
- Andy Shelton, Greenville, South Carolina
Faythe, I am so sad for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- LeAnne Consos, Savannah, GA
A chance meeting with RJ at Mary Calder Golf Course led to a 20-year friendship with him, and with The Merkert Family and Carolyn. He was a good golfer, but a better friend! He will be sorely missed.
- John and Elizabeth Shivas, Savannah, GA
My sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Russ for 15 years at Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy. He and I made a very good team. The things I learned from him and the professionalism will always be with me. May God continue to bless this family for he truly loved his family.
- Julie jackson, Savannah, Georgia
My thoughts and prayers are with The Merkert Family and Carolyn at this words cannot express how sad I am to herer this. I worked with Russ for 3 years at Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy. I learned so much from him he was an awesome teacher and friend. Patricia A. Leuschen
- Patricia A Leuschen, Savannah, Georgia
Russ was a incredibly kind, patient and caring man. He walked with humility and shared his passion of golf and life with so many. Russ will be greatly missed.
- Mallory E Whatley-Carter , Savannah, GA - Georgia
His family will miss him forever
- Taylor Cassidy, Macon, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- No Funeral Service