Zachary "Zac" Merritt

Denton

Zachary “Zac” Merritt Denton, 46, of Atlanta, Georgia, died on November 5, 2026.

Born on June 17, 1980, in Gainesville, Georgia, Zac grew up in Cleveland and Cumming, Georgia. As a child he spent countless hours exploring and biking with his brother Matt and their friends. He was active in the Boy Scouts and took musical instrument lessons which laid a solid foundation for his future pursuits.

Zac attended school in Forsyth County; after graduating from Forsyth Central High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Georgia State University. During his studies there, he spent a school term in Bavaria, Germany, which inspired him to complete a certificate in German translation.

Zac identified as an instrumentalist, improviser, composer, and songwriter. An exceptionally talented musician, Zac began with piano but went on to play guitar, trombone, fiddle, ukulele, and other instruments. Throughout his adult life he collaborated and performed with multiple ensembles, exploring jazz, American folk, experimental/improvisational, and other musical traditions. He also served for a time as a church pianist in Atlanta. In 2022, Zac released his first album, "Movement Ungilded;" his collaborators included Matt and some of his closest friends. As a guitar teacher, he shared his love of music with his students and was proud of their progress.

A poet as well as a musician, Zac was active in the Atlanta Poets Group for decades. He wrote independently and collaboratively, and his poetry was published and performed. At local festivals and other events, he and fellow poets invited passersby to request “Free Poems On Demand,” creating unique memories for everyone involved.

Through all of these endeavors, Zac forged deep and lasting friendships rooted in creativity, collaboration, authenticity, and a shared love of words and music. Friends describe him as kind and authentic with a dry wit and unique sense of humor. He had a gentle soul and was a bright light in a dark universe for many.

Zac found peace and purpose in the natural world, hiking and camping regularly. He cared deeply about conservation and planted many tree seedlings in White County, Forsyth County, and elsewhere. Zac also enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews, sharing thoughts on books, music, animals, and other topics. He attended their performances, was interested in their pursuits, and encouraged them in all things.

Zac was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Craig Denton, and his brother, Matthew Denton. He is survived by his father, David Hefner Denton; his sister, Davida Denton; his sister-in-law, Sarah Stoner, and her husband, Eric; his nieces, Mary Romano and Abby Romano; his nephews, Isaac Kiesche and John “Jack” Denton; and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Zac’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, at Johns Creek United Methodist Church in Johns Creek, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Zac’s memory to organizations supporting the arts or environmental conservation.