Mr. kenneth A. Merritts, 66, formerly of Fayetteville, died Saturday, September 16, 2006. Mr. Merritts was born Dec. 21, 1939. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army in October 1957. He served in the Vietnam War. He retired from the 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters in October 1977. He was a member of the American Legion. He worked for Boddie-Noell Enterprises' Hardees' from 1977 to 1993. After retiring, he enjoyed nine years of travel and was a member of Bounders of America. Funeral services were held at 11 am Tuesday, September 19, 2006, in Jernigan Warren Funeral Home Chapel. The burial followed in Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery. A visitation was held Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm at the funeral home. Mr. Merritts was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth S. Merritts, and his mother, Esther Marie Merritts. He was also preceded in death by Kathy Merritts and his granddaughter, Tina Gutierrez. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Merritts, of the home; daughters, Sandra and husband Jonah Blankenship of Hope Mills and Corinna Merritts of Fayetteville; son, David Merritts of Hope Mills; granddaughters, Athenia Gutierrez of Fayetteville, Brooke and Brandy Merritts of Hope Mills and Kelly Campbell of Fayetteville; grandson, Steven Campbell of Fayetteville; and two great-grandchildren, Summer and Tianna Gutierrez.