Apostle Roderick Leon Merritt,62, of Faison a native of Arapahoe died July 24, 2025 at his residence.

His service is 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 2, 2025 at New Bern Eastern Missionary Baptist Association Headquarters. The interment will follow at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Arapahoe.

He is survived by his stepfather, Lenwood Smith, Arapahoe; sisters, Wanda Smith (Pastor Johnie Smith) Arapahoe, Merry Banks (Gregory), Felecia Smith, New Bern, Karen Badger, Oriental, Essie Minor, Hampton, VA; Ella Perry, Chocowinity; brothers, Alfred Brown (Ann), Aurora, Bobby Brown (Mattie) Grimesland, Gregory Brown, Aurora; special friend, Minister Brenda Herring, Warsaw; nieces, nephews and cousins.