Merrill Lord Smith

Merrill Lord Smith, 85 of Edinboro, died Thursday, January 29, 2026 at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born in Erie, PA on December 4, 1940, the son of the late Selden Merrill and Frances Sterling Smith.

Merrill graduated from Edinboro High School in 1958. He then attended Duke University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the marching band. Merrill received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1962 and subsequently earned a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1964. Merrill worked for the Irving Trust Company and Union Carbide Corporation before returning to Edinboro to found the Merrill Smith Company. Merrill also founded Mt. Pleasant Ski Resort and P&M Auto Parts with his brother, Powell.

Merrill served in the Air Force Reserves from 1962 to 1968. He served on the Washington Township Parks and Recreation committee for many years and was a member of the Edinboro Area Historical Society, Edinboro First United Presbyterian Church and the Erie Club. Merrill enjoyed sailing, playing in a softball league, traveling and reading.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carole White Smith; his brother and sister-in-law, Powell and Judy Smith; and brother-in-law, George Thumm. He is survived by his son, Robert (Shelly) Smith of North Carolina; daughter, Paige Smith of Maryland; sister, Carol Thumm of Cambridge Springs; grandson, Christian Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Anne Williams; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to visitation hours on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie St., Edinboro, PA. Services will be on Saturday, February 21 at 11 a.m. at Edinboro First United Presbyterian Church, with a graveside service at Edinboro Cemetery immediately following.

Friends are invited to join the family afterwards for a lunch buffet at The Rambler, 24527 US Hwy. 6 and 19, Cambridge Springs, PA.

Memorials may be made in Merrill's name to the Edinboro Area Historical Society, the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department and Washington Township Parks and Recreation. To leave condolences, please sign the Guestbook below.