Obituary of Rev. Virgil Edward Merritt

Rev. Virgil Edward Merritt of Neibert, WV Rev. Virgil Edward “Eddie” Merritt, 81, of Neibert, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 7, 2023, leaving from his residence, after injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born on February 16, 1942, at Earling, the son of the late Virgil Wilson and Chlora Sylvenia (Stallard) Merritt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, LaDonna Michelle Merritt; two sisters, Phyllis Merritt and Peggy Sue (Merritt) Browning; and his parents-in-law, Cecil and Garnette (McGarey) Guy. Eddie was a 1960 graduate of Man High School where he lettered in basketball, football, and baseball. In 2006, he was inducted into the Man High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a dedicated insurance salesman, faithful church member for fifty years, and a loving husband and father. Eddie was a member of the Greenbranch Freewill Baptist Church where he was ordained at the age of 80. His life was a testament to hard work and devotion to his family and community. Throughout his career as an insurance salesman, he nurtured countless professional relationships and earned the trust and respect of his clients. Eddie’s unwavering commitment to his faith was evident as he attended his local church faithfully for half a century. He found solace and strength in his spiritual journey, always looking for ways to help others and spread kindness. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Gloria Jean (Guy) Merritt; three daughters, Tammy McCoy and her husband Tim of Neibert, Rebecca Grimmett and her fiancé Sean Senator of Chapmanville, and Sandra Merritt Bragg and her husband Kent of Neibert; 11 grandchildren, Nena McCoy, Nick (Taylor) McCoy, Sarah (Patrick) Trent, Taylor (Brandon) Duncan, Katie (Tyler) Hager, Kelsey (Gabe) Varney, Keri McCoy, Kenna Jeffrey, Luke Jeffrey, Erick Grimmett, and Kent Bragg II; 9 great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Gage, Bo, Tucker, Walker, Ellie, Kyzer, Conor, and Jack; his special brother-in-law, Clinton Browning; and his best friend, William “Tootie” Carter; along with a host of other relatives, church family, and friends. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home with Rev. Roland Cook and Rev. Randy Toler officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Pallbearers will be Luke Jeffrey, Nick McCoy, Leroy Sharp, Jesse Sarver, Kent Bragg, and Brandon Duncan. Honorary pallbearers are Tim McCoy, Clinton Browning, Tootie Carter, Dennis Walls, and Rev. Butch Cobb. Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.