William C. Merritt Sr.

William C. Merritt Sr., 86, of Chincoteague Island, VA went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2011, at Riverside Shore Life Care in Parksley, VA. He was born on May 6, 1924, the son of the late Grover C. and Elizabeth B. Merritt. Bill was raised by his loving Aunt Mary Elizabeth and Uncle Frank Birch. He faithfully served his country in WWII. He received many medals including the purple heart. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge under General George S. Patton. Bill was a faithful member of Accomack Lodge # 243, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1975. He held the office of Lodge Marshall up until his death. He was a member of Chincoteague Royal Arch Chapter # 75. Bill was also a member of Chincoteague American Legion Post of #159. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Norma Merritt; six children: Lana Budd of Salisbury, MD, William C. Merritt, Jr., and wife Ginny of Va. Beach, VA, Linda Cope and her husband Dennis, of Wallops Island, VA, Mickey M. Merritt and his wife Randi, of Franktown, VA, Randy M. Merritt and his wife Pam, of Seaford, DE, and Lisa Jardine and her husband Dave, of NC; eleven grandchildren: J.R. Budd, Tyler Budd, Ryan Merritt, Virginia Merritt, Toni Lewis, Steven Cope, Rebecca Moses, Julie Merritt, Randy M. Merritt, Jr., Hannah Merritt, and Hailey Merritt; four step-grandchildren: Brian Lewis, Jr., Owen Lewis, Camden Lewis, and Autumn Lewis; seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Dana Budd Walker, a son-in-law, Vernon G. Budd, three sisters: Thalia Carpenter, Geneva Cherrix, Pansy Melvin and two brothers: Emil Merritt and Joshua Merritt.
Friends may call from 7:00-9:00 pm at Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. in Chincoteague Island, VA on May 6, 2011. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 PM on Friday, May 6, 2011, at Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. Graveside Services, with full military honors, will be held at the Daisey Cemetery in Chincoteague Island, VA on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at 2 pm with Maury Enright officiating.
Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to the Wilson Thornton Education Fund Accomack Lodge # 243, P.O. Box 121, Chincoteague, Virginia, 23336.
Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. in Chincoteague Island, VA. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com.

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