Salvatore Sam Merola, Jr., affectionately known as “Sal,” age 68 of Jefferson, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Born in Athens, Georgia, on June 28, 1956, Sal was the son of the late Salvatore Sam Merola, Sr., and Betty Anne Ewing Paul. After high school, Sal spent much of his professional career in the trucking industry. He was employed with Pepsi Bottling Company, Garrett Paving, E. R. Snell, Inc., and several other companies. In his retirement years, Sal enjoyed antiquing, repurposing all things old, and creating his mountain-themed man cave at home. Sal was a very Christ-centered, faith-filled man and was steadfast in his commitment to serving Jesus and others. He was passionate about pursuing more knowledge about Jesus Christ through education at Charis Bible College. Sal was a member of Purpose Church at Bethel Temple in Demorest. In addition to his parents, Sal is preceded in death by daughter Kellie Merola Jennings and mother-in-law Marie Arnold.
Survivors include his wife, Roxie Arnold Merola of Jefferson; daughter and son-in-law Kayla and Ryan Ginn of Clarkesville; father-in-law and mother-in-law Joe and Elaine Arnold of Athens; son-in-law Josh Jennings of Jefferson; brothers and sisters-in-law Reggie and Donna Merola of Winder and Timmy and Brenda Merola of Watkinsville; sister and brother-in-law Teresa and Guy Gordon of Watkinsville; grandchildren Caiden Samuel Jennings, Elie Roxann Ginn, Adalyn Marie Jennings, and Eli Ryan Ginn; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at The Jefferson Church, 21 Cobb Street, Jefferson, GA. Rev. Ned Davis, Rev. Kayla Ginn, and Rev. Ryan Ginn will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church from 4 to 6 PM prior to the service. Interment will be on Friday in Purpose Church at Bethel Temple Cemetery, Demorest, GA.
An online guestbook is available and may be viewed at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Funeral arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.
