of Richmond, VA
July 22, 1955 - June 15, 2023
Harold "Dean" Eugene Merritt, age 67, of Richmond, Virginia passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023 leaving his life on earth for a new home in Heaven, where he will seek answers to his many questions. Dean gave in death as he gave in life, he was an organ donor and he has already given the gift of life to at least one other person.
Dean was born on July 22, 1955 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. A graduate of Westside High School in Jonesboro, he left Arkansas in August 1974 after he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Dean proudly served in an IT capacity for five years and eventually found himself stationed at the Pentagon, where he spent his days, in his own words, "stomping cockroaches". Dean was a lifelong believer in freedom and loved to help his fellow man navigate their government. After he was honorably discharged from duty, Dean maintained his career in the IT industry through the late 90s, before he became the longtime owner and operator of Merritt's Run, a trucking business. In his earlier life, Dean was active with Amway and its positive messaging shaped the way he saw the world and his decisions as a father. Dean, a self-styled engineer, had a kind heart, a joyful spirit, a wonderful sense of humor and a dream of owning the "Big House".
Dean leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Marjorie Harvey Merritt. They worked together at Verizon for two and a half years. He became her knight on a shiny motorcycle when he rescued her from many difficult months of breast cancer treatments and married her before she was an "old maid" at 50. He was a dutiful son-in-law, helping Marjie and her brothers through their mother's Alzheimer's years.
Dean was preceded in death by his father, Herchel Merritt; his stepfather, Trannie Vanhoozer; his brothers, Richard Merritt and Wayne Dobbs; his brother-in-law, Jerry Bishop and his niece, Jennifer Bishop.
Dean is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Mary Jo Merritt Barnes; his children, Angela "Dawn" (William) Craig, Wendy (Shay) Merritt, Kimberley Merritt and Christofer (Staci) Merritt and his grandchildren, Tori, Belle, Jeremiah and Jonnie Craig, Hannah and Isaac Phillips and Ethan and Dylan Merritt. He is also survived by his mother, Ruby Belle Vanhoozer; his sisters, Virginia Bishop and Tammie (Brian) Fowler and his many other relatives and friends.
Dean's funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 at the Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with Dick Blackford officiating, followed by his burial at Cash Cemetery, in Cash, Arkansas. A celebration of Dean's life is planned for a later date in Richmond, Virginia.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.
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10 Condolence(s)
Raymond and Janet Hagenbuch
Saturday, July 15, 2023
I am grateful for our friendship of many years. You taught me a lot of how things are supposed to be in this confusing upside down world. I will miss your guidance and insight. See you in Heaven, my friend. -Raymond
After talking to you on the phone a few times, I am so glad I got to finally meet you and Margie. Raymond and I really enjoyed our dinner with you both at Red Lobster and your teaching me how to play "Chickenfoot". We had such a great time with you both. I am so sorry our time to be with you was so short, but will treasure the memories of that evening. Prayers of love and comfort for Margie and your family. See you on the other side. -Janet
Bob Robb
Friday, June 23, 2023
Missing your smiling face & dry sense of humor.
May God watch over all your kin.
Karen Livesay
Friday, June 23, 2023
Keith and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all for strength and comfort during this time.
Celeste Lavalle
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Dean was a dear family friend for many years, truly a southern gentleman. I was so shocked and saddened to learn of his unexpected passing, but feel confident in knowing he has a new home in heaven. My sincerest sympathy and prayers go out to his wife Marjie, his Mother Ruby, all of his children and his entire family.
Love,
Celeste Lavalle
Jim and Vanessa Carl
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
RIP Dean
Jennifer Wilson
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Prayers for Dean’s loved onesðŸ™ðŸ»
Joan Thetford Gammon
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Did not know him but sounds like he was a very nice person. Im so sorry for your loss.
Joe Borden
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I have known Dean ( except I knew him as Eugene ), as long as I have been alive. The last time I talked with him was a couple of years back and we were on the phone for about two hours. He loved my family and we loved him.
Prayers for all the family left to mourn him.
Tammie Fowler
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I loved my brother very much. He loved me too. Even though I was a brat growing up. Wayne would talk him into playing cars with us. Our favorite hobby was walking down the ditches killing snakes. Dean taught me how to shoot. I was a regular Annie Oakley by the time I was 6. I will miss his video chats. Seeing his smiling face. I love you Dean!!
Kim Merritt
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Love you so much Dad!!!