Ronald Lee Merrick

Born September 11, 1932, Ronald Lee Merrick (92) of Pickerington, Ohio passed away on March 21, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by a family who adored him. He was a graduate of South High School, class of 1951.
Never leaving his side, he is survived by his devoted wife, Eileen Merrick. A testament of their marriage of 69 years created his greatest joy, children Tammy (Tom) Armstrong, Penny (Mark) Jones, and Brett (Kathy) Merrick. If love was ever to visibly shine, it was when he was with his grandchildren Ryan Merrick (Anna Nam), Jessica Merrick (fiancé Will Brown), and Parker and Spencer Jones. There were no happier times for him than being with his family who were the benefactors of his outpouring of grace, patience, generosity, humility, and goodness. He will also be deeply missed by his brother Dick (Jan) Merrick, and nephews Scott and Todd Merrick.
A Navy Veteran, he retired from Ohio Bell/AT&T after 31 years and then worked at The Ohio State University in communications, retiring again after 10 years. Even in retirement, he maintained close friendships with his fellow retirees, meeting regularly for breakfast and reminiscing about their years of work together. Purchasing wooded acres in the 70's ("The Property"), he enjoyed outdoorsmen weekends with his buddies. On any football Saturday, you could count on him watching his beloved Buckeyes who brought him another national championship in the last year of his life. Family vacations to Myrtle Beach were a highlight for him, and over the years, as the family grew, those special times were shared with in-laws and grandchildren. His workshop included every tool ever created and family and friends reaped the rewards of his handyman help.
Ron had an interest in Civil War history, and you could find him reading at his home-away-from-home, the family cabin. At the lake, his tools were put to great use as he would putz with his brother, making it the place that it is today. In his later years, when he could no longer drive, he especially loved his grandchildren-led excursions to his favorite places, Menards, Lowes, Kroger and Taco Bell. If front porches were made for community, Ron and Eileen could not be more blessed than to have the greatest neighbors. To the end, Ron loved to sit on the porch and chat as the neighbors would walk over when they would see him. Never would a car would go by that he wouldn't say the make and model and give a wave, usually never knowing who it was.
If the measure of a man's life is found in the love he gives, Ron Merrick captured the brass ring. Lasting words we now say back to him, "be careful babe and call when you get home."
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers in memory of donations to St. Jude’s www.stjude.org.
Visiting hours will be held Monday, March 31, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 550 Hill Rd. N. Pickerington, Ohio 43147. A funeral service will be held following at 12 PM, with Pastor Derek Lauer officiating. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be found at www.spencefuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME.