September 21, 2021, 57, Goldsboro –

Richard Paul “Ricky” Merritt, Sr., 57, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Although his departure from this life was unexpected and seems unfair, his welcome in Heaven had been prepared and his arrival was no less grand beyond compare. Ricky was born in Wayne County to Alton Ray Merritt and Lydia Smith Edwards on February 14, 1964.

Ricky began his career with his dad as an electrician with Ray Merritt Electric. In 2002, Ricky became a building inspector with the County of Wayne until he had to medically retire in 2019. Ricky lived a large life filled with the people and things he loved most. His quiet time was spent with a fishing rod in his hand.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, September 24, 2021 in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with Ray Boyette presiding. Ricky will lie in state at Seymour Funeral Home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The family will greet friends on Friday following the service at the cemetery.

Ricky is survived by his father, Ray Merritt; mother, Lydia Smith Edwards; children, Ashlyn Paige Merritt, Richard Paul Merritt, Jr., Nolan Seth Merritt, Paisley Nicole Merritt and Matthew Lane; sister, Pam Merritt Lancaster and her children, Ryan Lancaster and Christian Lancaster.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.