WILMINGTON — Mr. Larry Edward Merritt, 72, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 23, 2019.
He was born Aug. 8, 1946, in Wilmington to Ralph E. and Myrtle Matthews Merritt, the last of three children. After serving in Vietnam with the Third Brigade Task Force of the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, he returned home to study cosmetology. He retired in 2007, after a career that took him from Wilmington to Indianapolis; New York; Charleston, South Carolina; and other locations where he practiced his craft.
Mr. Merritt was preceded in death by his parents; sister; Elizabeth Merritt Hemby; and brother, Franklin T. Merritt.
He leaves behind to mourn his passing his beloved sister-in-law, Peggy A. Merritt; niece, Lorraine M. Russell (Greg); nephews, Darren T. Merritt, F. Eric Merritt (Karen) and Bryan D. Merritt; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews. He will also be mourned by longtime special friend, Richard Merritt.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 25, at Quinn-McGowan Funeral Home, Wallace. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. at Duplin Memorial Gardens, Teachey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Share online condolences with the family at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home.
