F. Marshall Merritt, 79, of Roanoke Rapids, NC died Saturday, July 30, 2022, in Northampton County.  

Mr. Merritt was born in Robeson County, NC on September 3, 1942, and was the son of the late Wilbur Ray and Lucille Carter Merritt.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Gail Merritt and Sue Bailey, and two brothers, Wilbur Merritt and Clee Merritt. 

After 17 years of working on the family farm, Mr. Merritt spent his entire adult life serving others in the military and law enforcement.  

He was in the Navy, the Army, and the CIA.  

He was Chief of Police in Hertford, NC for 15 years, until he moved on to Virginia Department of Corrections in the early 90s, where he retired in 2008 as the chief investigator.  

He loved his church and faithfully volunteered there in children’s ministry and as security.  

Surviving are his wife, Angie Merritt of Roanoke Rapids; three brothers, Roy Merritt of Wilmington, NC, James Merritt of Burgaw, NC, and Steve Merritt of Leland, NC; two sons, Paul Merritt of Austin, Texas, and John M. Merritt of Virginia Beach, VA; one stepson, Geoffrey Harrington of Benson, NC; as well as seven grandchildren.  

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Valley Community Church in Weldon, NC, and will be conducted by pastors Jamie Taylor-Fillinger, Bruce Collier, and Justin Temple.  

Friends are invited to speak with the family immediately following the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Valley Community Church in Weldon, NC, 1215 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway, Weldon, NC 27890.  

The online guest register may be signed at hockadayfs.com

Cremation services are being handled by Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.