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Celebrating the life of
Robert (Bob) Merriman
October 15, 1954 - May 11, 2024
Robert “Bob” Merriman, 69, died on May 11, 2024, at St Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah.
Bob was born October 16, 1954, to the late Alfred and Sara Nell Merriman.
During Bob's 43-year law enforcement career, he solved many high-profile cases and was known for his compassion for crime victims. He started his career in Athens in 1975, then moved to Chatham County Police Department in 1977. He became a detective in 1981. He moved to the Chatham-Savannah Police force in 2004 and retired as a captain in June 2007. Merriman came out of retirement to become chief at Thunderbolt in 2013 and retired from there in 2018. Simply put, Merriman was one of the finest cops around. His tenacity and skill as a detective led him to solve the toughest cases, and he treated victims and their families with great dignity and respect.
Survivors include his wife, Kim Rowden of Richmond Hill; son, Joe Bob Merriman (Jennifer) and their children, Robert, Rachel, Abbey, and Wyatt of Fairfax, VA; sister-in-law, Dale Ashley; nephews Robbie Ashley of Thomason, GA, and Chad Ashley (Kate) of Peachtree, GA. Bob is also survived by stepchildren, Whitney, Jon, and Claire.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Phil Ashley.
Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with Rev. Patrick O'Brien officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest you consider making a donation in Bob's memory to a charity of your choice.
I offer my heartfelt condolences and hope that the cherished moments you shared will bring you some comfort during this time of profound grief. Remember, those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday.
- Bobi Callaway Hester, Register, GA
I met Bob while working at the District Attorney's office. He was a great detective, passionate about his job and the work he did. He cared about people. He was professional and personable. A good man.
- Cynthia Brunet , Rincon , Ga
God Speed Bob. You were the best criminal investigator I had the honor to know and work with. You will truly be missed. Thanks for the friendship and leadership you showed.
- Thomas Sexton, Guyton, Georgia
Rest in Peace Bob. You were a true cop. It was an honor to have known you.
- Raleigh M “Butch” Ward , Richmond Hill, GA
As a member of the Senior Class of 1972 SHS. I am sending my condolences to Bobs family. God bless you
- Frances THOMSON Kennedy , Reidsville , GA
Bob was an outstanding person, a fantastic law enforcement officer, and a great friend. One cannot say enough good things about Bob. Our prayers and thoughts are for him and with the family on their loss.
- John T. Garcia, Evans, GA
So sorry to hear of Bobby's passing. Knew Bob from Eli Whitney elementary and the rest of his life.... He'll always be like a brother to me...RIP Bob and God Bless your family and friends...
- Earl McClure and family , Jacksonville , Fl.
Rest In Peace, Brother. You were the Best Detective. Ever.
- John E. Best Best Family, Savannah, Georgia
Bob was a lead investigator in the murder of our sister Susan Horne Peppers in 1989. We will always appreciate his skill as a detective and his caring demeanor to our family. Your family has our sympathies. He was truly one of the good guys.
- Kenny Horne, Norwood, North Carolina
Truly a loss in many ways. One of the best and will never be forgotten.
- Ron Tyran, Pooler, GA
I worked with Bob at CCPD from 1990-2000. Not only was he a great detective, he was so funny. I remember he loved his son, the Dawgs, and Reba McEntire. My condolences to his family. Godspeed.
- LeiAnn Sapp, Guyton, Georgia
It was an honor to associate with Bob at CCPD for 25+ years. He was a tenacious investigator, a compassionate cop, and a true friend. I will miss his sharp wit and calm demeanor. My heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and closest friends.
- Skip Sasser, Wilmington Island , Georgia
RIP, Mr. Bob, worked with him several times while being a paramedic at MedStar Ambulance Service in Savannah from 1987 until 2011.
- Mary Hill, Rincon, Georgia
Dear Kim and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was very nice to work with and I will not forget his professionalism, humor and kindness.
- Emily Garrard , Savannah , GA
RIP Bob worked with my husband Tom Tracy for many years at CCPD. He was such a really nice person. According to my husband, a real professional police officer. Prayers to his family at this very sad time.
- Margie Tracy, Blairsville, Georgia
May you have strength and the love of family surround you in your time of grieving. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the friends and family.
- Francesca A Rehal, Savannah, GA
Dear Kim, You and Bob were uniquely suited to each other because you and he shared fiercely independent natures. I admired Bob so much professionally and enjoyed him as a friend. Funny, outspoken, honest, as gentle as a person could be while at the same time being tough and ornery when confronted with the evil people perpetrate. I hope you will find comfort in knowing how much he was loved and appreciated by so many. Love to you and your amazing children. Louisa
- Louisa Abbot, Savannah, GA
God rest the soul of Bob and peace to his family,
- Tony and Giny O'Reilly, Savannah, Georgia
When the person you respect the most is no longer there to share in the victory...it seems hollow. Simply, the greatest Detective I ever knew.
- RJ, Rincon, Ga
Very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Bob.
- Gene Henry , Savannah , Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 10:00 a.m. on Fri, May 17, 2024
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Family Will Receive Friends
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Fri, May 17, 2024
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200