WILMINGTON — Capt. Bobby Dean Merritt Sr., 83, of Wilmington, passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center, Wilmington. He was the husband of the late Donna Black Merritt. He was born on March 15, 1933, to the late Norman and Myrtle (Payne) Merritt in Wilmington, NC.
As a carpenter, he provided maintenance for Trails End, Gray Gables and King Neptune Restaurants. He was a professional boat racer, a boat captain for many years and loved to dance.
Bobby is survived by his children; Capt. Bobby Dean Merritt Jr. (Joyce) of Supply, Wanda McDonald Hall (Jimmy) of Wilmington, and Sheila Yarborough (Eddie) of Ohio; grandchildren, Bobbie-Lynn Canada, Justin Hall, Tyler Hall, Kirsty Thurston and D’Koda Rodas; and great grandchild, Brantley Pena-Hall.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister, Patricia Merritt Little.
Relatives and friends are invited to visitation, Thursday 7-9 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary, 1617 Market St., Wilmington. Funeral services will be held on Friday 2 p.m. at Andrews Market Street Chapel. Interment will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.