Earl Merritt

Earl Henry Merritt was born on March 16, 1942, in Wilson, North Carolina, to Willie Merritt, Sr., and Rosa Dones Merritt, both of whom have preceded him in death. Earl peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Earl met and married the love of his life, Bessie Delores Merritt. They were married for thirty-nine years prior to his death.

Earl received his education from Wilson County Public School System and pursued higher studies at St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting. He was employed at Firestone in Wilson, North Carolina, for thirty years and has enjoyed his retirement since 2002.

Over the years Earl became a compassionate and caring individual who consistently prioritized the well-being of others. His love and dedication to his family were of utmost importance to him. Demonstrating genuine humility, he readily assisted anyone in need without hesitation. Earl participated in football and track at St. Augustine College, where he earned the nickname "Baby Huey." Additionally, he appreciated videography, engaged in bowling, and held a deep admiration for his quarter collection, which he highly valued.

Earl departs this life leaving behind his devoted wife, Delores Merritt, and his six children: Jacqueline Bryant of Rock Hill, South Carolina; Michelle Merritt-Tucker (William) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Timothy Merritt of Dayton, Ohio; Tammy Warren of Washington, DC; LeCole Keaton of Raleigh, North Carolina; and JaDana Watson (Donnell) of Oxon Hill, Maryland, to hold his memory in their hearts.

Grandchildren include Tyesha King, Rashawn King, and Valentino King Jr., of Raleigh, North Carolina; Justin Clark, Tanesha McCallom, Trayvon Merritt, Timesha Merritt, Sienna Merritt, and Hope Hill; Kiara Warren of Knightdale, North Carolina; Tameka Warren; Marcquetta Cluff; Kin Queen Jr., of Washington, DC; Kelsey Armstrong (Julian) of Durham, North Carolina; Cameron Shaw (Cierra) of Mebane, North Carolina; Corey Merritt, Caelan Hodge, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Amia Watson, Donnell Watson Jr., DaKari Watson, and Aliyah Watson of Oxon Hill, Maryland; and a godson, Briyan Chestnut of Atlanta, Georgia.

Earl was also the father figure to his stepchildren; Leonard Dunn, Walter Dunn, Vivian Hollingworth, Rose Miller, Evelyn Dunn, Lillie Dunn, and David Merritt, Sr. He was blessed to be the great-grandfather of twenty-two amazing children. Earl was preceded in death by his three brothers-Willie Jr., Fred, and Calvin Merritt Sr.-and two sisters, Virginia and Martha Merritt. He is survived by his sister, Audrey Evans (Wise) of Garner, North Carolina, along with two sisters-in-law and many close friends and family members.