Edwin Taylor Merritt entered his eternal home on February 26, 2025. Ed was born and raised in the Waycross community of Sampson County, NC. on October 18, 1928, to the late Herndon L. and Katie Merritt. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and wife, Lettie Lou Davis Merritt, brothers- T.C., Dewey and "Pitt" Merritt, sisters - Rebecca Porter and Rachel Williamson.

After graduating from Taylor Bridge-Ingold High School, Ed joined the U.S. Army and was ordered to overseas duty in Korea where he served with the Second Infantry Division. After serving in the Army for 3 years, Ed enlisted in the US Air Force in 1955 and retired in 1972 as a Master Sergeant. During his years in the USAF, Ed was posted to various military bases in the United States and Labrador, Canada. Ed had unique experiences in the Air Force such as serving in Alaska when it became a state, and later escorting the president, vice president, cabinet members, congressmen and foreign dignitaries to the plane as they arrived or were leaving Andrews AFB. He watched as President John F. Kennedy boarded Air Force One to travel to Dallas, Texas and was there when his body was returned. He became the aide to General C. T.  Ireland who invited him to travel with him to inspect Air Force bases around the world. This trip took Ed to bases in Spain, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Hawaii and San Francisco and included being shot at as they flew over Vietnam.

Ed is survived by his wife, Brenda, children Toni and wife Sharon, Terri and husband Joel, grandchildren Matthew Merritt and wife Jennifer, Tracy M. Johanson and husband Captain P. J., great grandchildren Haylee and Piper Johanson and McKenzie Merritt, stepsons Martin Futrell and husband Victor and Chad Futrell and wife FangFang and daughter Emerson, brothers Billy Ray Merritt and Alton Gray Merritt, and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was a kind, loving, generous gentleman with a strong Christian faith. For many years, he read through the King James Version of the bible at least once. In his youth he excelled at basketball, baseball, bowling and playing horseshoes. He was always active in church where he sang solos in choirs, served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and greeter. His example of "walking the walk" was very evident to everyone who met and knew him.

Services will be held at Padgett Funeral Home in Wallace, N.C. on Sunday, March 2, with Pastor Chris Jarman officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm followed by the service. Graveside services will be conducted at Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church, 1080 Gurley Dairy Rd., Pikeville, N.C. 27863 with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to your favorite charity.