Edward O. "Ed" Merritt, 92, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on February 20, 2025, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Ed was born on September 21, 1932, in Mineola, New York to Verona Ruth Oakley and Harold F. Merritt, Sr.. He later pursued his college education at the University of Maryland. Upon graduating, he joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country. Following his military service, Ed began a successful 35-year career in the financial services industry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After retiring in 1998, he relocated to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, where he continued to embrace life with dedication and purpose.

Faith was the cornerstone of Ed's life. He was deeply devoted to Jesus and spent much of his time studying the Bible and praying for his family and friends. His commitment led him to serve as a deacon at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale and later attended Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale. In North Carolina, he became a faithful member of Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone.

Beyond his faith and professional accomplishments, Ed found great joy in gardening. He took immense pride in maintaining a beautiful flower-filled yard and dedicated countless hours to its care well into his early 90s. His dedication to community service matched his passion for horticulture; he was a long-term board member, avid supporter, and incredibly hard-working volunteer at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show for over 30 years.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Quantz Merritt; his brother, Harold F. Merritt Jr.; two daughters, Suzanne Elizabeth Merritt (Bowling) and Elizabeth Oakley Merritt; and two sons, Stephen S. Allen, and James B. Allen. Grandchildren Noah Bowling, Luke Bowling, Emma Bowling, Madison Allen (Rogers), Dawson Allen, Jade Allen and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jeannette Vogt Merritt.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM at Alliance Bible Fellowship, located at 1035 North Carolina Hwy 105 Bypass in Boone, North Carolina. A funeral service will follow at the same location at 2:00 PM. A graveside service for family members will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

Ed's unwavering faith and kindness toward others, and love for his family and friends will be remembered by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort and inspiration to those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alliance Bible Fellowship, 1035 NC Highway 105 Bypass Boone, NC 28607; or Samaritan's Purse Hurricane Helene Relief for Western North Carolina, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/pray-for-those-in-helenes-path/; or the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 650, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.