Chelsea Claud Merritt, 77, of Palatka, Florida, passed from this life on Friday, August 15, 2025 at his home following an extended illness.
Born in Tollesboro, he was a 1966 Graduate of Tollesboro High School. Following high school, Chelsea attended Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond where he received his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees in English. In addition he attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, completing post graduate certification in educational administration.
Chelsea began his career in education as an English teacher at Crescent City Jr./Sr. High School. All together, Chelsea spent 35 years working in various roles within the Putnam County School District, retiring on June 30, 2007. During this tenure with the school district, his roles included Teacher at Crescent City High School (1972-1977), Assistant Principal at Miller Middle School (1977-1980), Assistant Principal at Crescent City High School (1980-1982), Principal at Interlachen High School (1982-1989), Principal on Special Assignment (1989-1992), Director of Middle Schools for Putnam County (1992-1995), Principal at Interlachen High School (1995-1996), Principal at Moseley Elementary School (1996-2001), Assistant Principal Jenkins Middle School (2001-2005), Director of Transportation (2005-2007).
Chelsea was a member of the Florida Association of School Administrators, River City Kiwanis Club, Athletic Association at St. Johns River State College, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5758 where he served in district and state level roles. At the time of his passing, he was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a proud University of Kentucky basketball fan and an avid Florida State University Seminole supporter.
Chelsea was most devoted to his family, and cherished time with his children and grandchildren. The family enjoyed annual “road trips” to Captiva Island, Helen, Georgia, Navarre Beach, as well as traveling to both home and away Seminole Football games.
Chelsea is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Cathy Merritt; a son, Joseph Andrew “Joe” Merritt of Tampa, Florida; a daughter, Hilary Merritt Plott (Adam) of St. Augustine, Florida; and two sisters, Vicki Eby of Kissimmee, Florida, and Valli Harrison (Al) of Danville. In addition he is survived by his treasured grandchildren, Andrew Merritt (Holly), Alexander Merritt, Gabrielle Plott, Bernadette Merritt and Anastasia Plott.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chelsea A. Merritt and Edith Hensley Merritt.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka, Florida.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 1950 Bartram Road, in Jacksonville, Florida, with Father David Thomas as officiant. Burial will follow at Noon in Oak Hill East Cemetery in Palatka.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Chelsea’s name to Pompeii Rising, 2039 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 or online at www.pompeiirising.org
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Chelsea’s Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka, Florida.
