On August 21, 2023, GARY DENVER MERRITT, 77, of East Lynn, W.Va., found rest with his father and mother, Wiley and Lula Merritt, passing peacefully after an extended illness surrounded by his loving family.

Survivors include daughters Patricia (David), and Pricilla; stepchildren Curtis Moore and Tina Adkins; grandchildren, Trista, Sarah, J.T., and Isabella; great grandchildren Alivia and Caleb; as well as his beloved lapdog Sophia.

Also surviving are siblings Nobel Merritt (Shelby), Frances Eplin, and Randell Merritt (Margaret); and multiple nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Loretta Watson, Lorene Richardson, and Wanda Richardson.

Before high school graduation, Gary enlisted in the Army serving in Germany during the Vietnam War, active service for three years.  After retiring from ACF Industries in Huntington, West Virginia, he enjoyed the outdoor life on the farm of hunting, fishing, and tinkering around in the garage on his square body Chevy trucks or riding the 4-wheeler up the mountain to his cabin.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Perry officiating.  Burial will follow in the Merritt Family Cemetery, East Lynn.  Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.