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Obituary For John H. Merritt
John Henry Merritt of Clayton, NC passed away peacefully at the age of 82. He was born on March 28, 1943, in Johnston County. John loved and dedicated his life to his family and friends. John lived a life filled with compassion, resilience and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
After gradutaion from Cooper High School in Clayton, NC he started working for the Florida Steel Company. He later went on to work for Crown Zellerbach in Raleigh, NC where he made lifetime friends. He had a short careet with the family business (Slaughterhouse) that his dad started in 1967. He eventually retired from the US Postal Service after 30 years of working and began to travel the country.
John was entrepreneur at an early age. He started a night club called “ The Soulful Strut Bar and Grill” in Selma, NC. And later in life with his brother Dalise Merritt they founded the Green Palace night club in Piney Grove. As a young man, he joined the Masonic Lodge.
John was a devoted Father and Brother. He had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. He enjoyed meeting people, and he never met a stranger. He was the type of person that you would like instantly, and he would leave an impression. He encouraged people all alon the way. He taught his children to love people and to never judge people by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
He joined Long Branch Disciples Church at an early age. He enjoyed going to Church on Sunday even though his Church only had services twice a month he would always find another Church to visit on the other two Sunday's. We often called him the “ Ambulance chaser” because he and Uncle Dalise would attend all the funeral services in the area. We would ask him how the person passed, and hew would always say, their number came up. I guess with the heavy hear we can say that Dad's number came up…
John truly loved life to the fullest through simple pleasures: Chatting with friends and family, snacking, sitting on the porch watching people drive by and spending time with family. He was a pillar of the community and was known as the “Mayor of Piney Grove.”
He was always involved in the community and working to break racial barriers. He wanted to make the world a better place. Our fondest memory was when he attended the NAACP meeting in the early 70's and he came back home to give us our NAACP membership card. This was his way of saying I am protecting my family.
As stated by his brother, Dalise Merritt, “John was a Big Brother, a leader, an inspiration in my life, and I wanted to be just like him when I grew up.”
John's favorite scripture was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
His favorite NFL team was the Dallas Cowboys, but if they were not playing, he would quickly find another team to cheer for. The last game he watched was last Sunday night and he was rooting for the Cleveland Browns. He loved sports and was a star basketball player at Cooper High School, in Clayton, NC.
John was preceded in death by his father, Henry Duncan (Duzzie) Merritt, mother, Sadie Ingram- Merritt, brother, Palmer Merritt, and sisters, Rachel Badger, and Gladys McNeil.
John leaves behind Velma Claige, his devoted lady friend of 20 plus years, three daughters; Sherry Denise Merritt, Zena Rochelle Merritt, and Natasha Benet Merritt-Davis (Kevin) and Son, Rickey Williams (Linda).
John is also survived by siblings Mary Callier (Atlanta, GA), Dalise Merritt (Clayton) and Maylene Badgett (Newton-Grove) and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews who hold a special place in his heart, and special friends, Ervin Sanders, Joe Randall, David Carter, Charlie Ward, Tony Jenkins, Jerry Melvin and DaJuan “Mocheeks” Morgan.
Public Viewing: 1:00 - 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.
Funeral will be held 11:00 am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Poplar Springs Christian Church, 6115 Old Stage Road in Raleigh, NC 27603.
Burial: Long Branch Disciple Church Cemetery, 1921 Barefoot Road in Newton Grove, NC 28360.
Condolences & Tributes
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Franklin Watson sent Ocean Breeze Spray for John H. Merritt - October 22, 2025
It will not seem like a funeral at Johnston Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church without John Merritt among the mourners.
Praying for your family. So sorry to hear about this.
I hope that our Lord brings you and your family the much needed peace during this sad time. My condolences to the family
Sorry for your loss. Praying for the family.
Prayers and condolences to the Merritt family.
"Earth has no sorrow(s)which Heaven cannot Heal"Prayers/Sympathies for u All during this time of bereavement♥️
Our sincere condolences are with you at this time of sorrow:Praying that God will give All of you,and each of John's many Friends the strength, as well as comfort, and precious memories of this great Man.We love, him,and will miss him so very much.
Earl/Deborah Badgett "
To the Family of John Merritt, You have our deepest sympathy. Continue to hold to God's unchanging hand and He will carry you through this difficult time.
Earl & Deborah Badgett
Our Deepest Condolences goes out to Sherry and Mr.John family in this trying time. Mr. John was a gentle giant , his presence always filled the room with laughter and warmth. RIP Mr.John 🕊️
Annette & Jeanette Roberts
My condolences to the Merritt family. It was an honor and pleasure to have known your father. May he rest in peace 🙏.
Condolences To The Merritt Family 💜
RIP my brother we had some good times singing in a male court church I would never forget you may God bless 🙏🏽🙏🏽
To the Merritt family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one . He was always a pleasure to run into and always made you smile . When we were children his mom often would visit and always had something to give my mom . He will be truly missed. Our deepest condolences. The children of Matthew and Mamie Sanders
Praying for the family.
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Condolences to the Merritt family. John was always nice to me & my kids. He was always the same & could keep you laughing. 30+ years of unforgettable memories with the entire Merritt family. Continued prayers for the family.
To my cousin John and the rest of the family: Family is not always defined by blood, but can be expressed through words, support, comfort, love and many other gestures. I will miss my cousin John, because he always included me and made me feel a part of the family; I remember the hogs, the horses, wow so much fun... those days are long gone, but memories are forever. Rest in peace cuz! and to the rest of the family; keep God first and know he will give you peace.
My deepest condolences
We join in prayer with and for the Family and Friends.
I extend my deepest sympathy to the Merritt family. Zena & I used to be on flag corp @ CHS. John & I worked @ Mission Valley Inn. In my younger years, who in the world could forget "The Green Palace" aka "The Merritts". John & his brother, Dalise slaughtered many hogs for my children's father. Let not your heart be troubled. My thoughts & prayers are with the entire Merritt family & friends. I'm praying that GOD renders comfort, peace & strength during your time of sorrow.
Gone but not forgotten. John was such a kind and caring person and he will be deeply missed. God has called home a good shepherd.
Words can't express my feelings right now. It's deep. But at least I can reminisce on the memories and the good times on Slate Top. The slaughterhouse, the horses, all the animals on the farm, the people, the cookouts😢. There's just sooo many fond memories, going all the way back to the early 2000's. "John Merrit", you will be missed 😇🙏🏾
R.I.P. from the Riddick family
My heart was sadden when I heard of Your passing. John you were a great friend to the Strickland family and I will always remember your love and kindness. Rest On my friend. Pastor Belinda Strickland and PotterWheel church family
My sincere condolences 🙏 to Brother John Merritt's family. God has called home a good man to his resting place. Jesus Christ will finnally give true rest for Brother John. Family may God provide you peace that surpasses all understanding 🙏.
Mozelle Chrisp baby sister from Lincolnville South Carolina Louann Canady
The Merritt Family sorry I'm not able to be with the Family may God bring peace to your heart at this difficult time extend Family through Mozelle Chrisp her baby sister I'm keeping the Family in thoughts and prayers
John what a lovely person, who will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to the family and to everyone who knew him. may God strengthen the family at this time.
Praying for the family of John Merritt. You have our condolences doing your bereavement. "Look to the hills from whence cometh your help, for all your help comes from the Lord."
You will always be remembered by me. Rest in peace my brother. With love and prayers Love Chris chaney and family
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Sending my condolences to the family
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May the memories of your love one bring you comfort, i am praying 🙏🏽 for the entire family.
Rest in peace cuzing
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Rest in Heavenly peace with God; you have always been there for us, and your daughters and friends simply adore you, take your much needed rest now. Helena
Oh my. I've been keeping up with John through Dalise over the years. His ups and downs with his health. I only met John once and knew instantly of the kindness in his heart and the hard worker he was and the pillar of his family and community. A Beautiful spirit always willing to give. My deepest condolences to the Merritt Family.
I was so sorry to hear about John's passing.He was my co-worker and a good friend.He always helped me out when I was moving. I'm glad I was able to talk with him a few months ago. Sending my sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest peacefully my friend I will miss you.
Brenda Wright
Sending my deepest sympathy to my family. My heart is truly sorrowful that we lost such a great pillar in our West & Denning family. Look to the hills which cometh all your help!!! RIP cousin
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May the peace of GOD be with you all now and forever.
SENDING SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO VELMA & THE MERRITT FAMILY. KEEPING YOU ALL IN MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS. GOD BLESS!!! LETIA DICKERSON(FRIEND & CO-WORKER @ RALEIGH P&DC).
Joe Randall light candle for john Merritt sleep well bro
John was simply a great person to be around! He always had a funny antidote or a kind word it feels my heart to have known John married, May God bless his soul and family.
Sending prayers to the family. I will surely miss him, always kept me laughing about something. May he Forever Rest, God knew what was Best. Love always Ms. Bridgett Elliott
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
