Andrew Keith "Andy" "Coach Merk" Merkerson, 64, of Orlando, transitioned from this earthly life to life eternal on Friday, November 29, 2019 at his Pine Hills residence. The son of James and Mabel Merkerson, and foster son of Sylvester and Maybell Tomblin, "Andy" he was born on Sunday, July 24, 1955. He was a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School; earned his B.S. degree and Master's degree in Health & Physical Education at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee; and also pursued additional studies at FL State University. During his early years growing up in Hastings, he was a member of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church and was active in the youth choir. After graduating from college, Andy's professional career commenced at Hastings High School, where he taught and coached basketball and football; taught and coached basketball in the Miami-Dade County Public School District at Miami Norland High School; returned to FAMU as a swimming coach; and taught and served as assistant basketball coach under "Cy McClairen" at Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach. He was an active member of the Gamma Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Cocoa, Brevard County, FL. In service to his local community, he was affiliated with AAU basketball, coaching the Orlando Knights, where he won several championships. He remained active with the youth and truly loved coaching sports. In 2016, he retired as a Park & Recreation Supervisor with Orange County after fifteen years of service. Andy was a longtime former member of the Hastings Quarterback Club. In addition to his parents and foster parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his brother, Willie J. Merkerson.

Forever cherishing his memories: wife, Terry B. Merkerson; sons, Miya Baisden Merkerson, Palm Coast; Herbie Baisden, San Antonio, TX; granddaughter, Paris Baisden, Palm Coast; sisters, Willie M. James, Doretha Lewis Hunter, Lillie Freeman, all of Hastings; brothers, Joseph (Gwen) Lewis, Fort Lauderdale; Sylvester (Mary) Tomblin, Jr. North Lauderdale; George Lewis, Gainesville; Simon Lewis, Hastings; Wade Tomblin, New Brunswick, NJ; Dr. Sammie L. Tomblin, Maitland; sisters-in-law, Pastor Darletha Lewis, Hastings; Valerie Brown, Daytona Beach; Lori (Alphonso) Bush, Daytona, Beach, Carolyn (John) Dixon, Atlanta, GA; Bernice Tomblin, Riviera Beach; Evangelist Retha Lewis, Amityville, NY; aunt, Julia M. Boynton, Hastings; devoted cousins, Stephanie Isaac, Hastings; Ira, Frances, Gerald, Pat, Miami; Chloris Baker, Hastings; John D. Merkerson Jr., New York, NY; godson, Aldwin Ware, godsisters, Althree Kinard, Jacksonville; Doris Blackshear, Jacksonville; Blandeva Session Fields, Hastings; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, December 6 and Homegoing Celebration will be 12 noon, Saturday, December 7 at The Lord's Temple, City of Refuge, 140 Gilmore Street, Hastings.