Joseph Albert Merritt, Jr.

Joseph Albert Merritt, Jr. was born February 21, 1922 in Kinston, NC to Joseph Albert Merritt, Sr. and Barbara Louise Hazzard. The family moved to Portsmouth, VA. Where at age 10 young Joseph began an apprenticeship in his father's roofing / sheet metal business.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor he joined the U.S. Army / Air Corps. He completed Arial Gunnery Training and became a B-26 Marauder Man in the 319th bombardment group - 437th squadron. He flew some 30 plus missions as flight engineer / gunner in the North Africa / Italian theater of operations during 1943-1944. His unit was part of what was known as "Col Randy's Flying Circus" because the B-26's would take off and land in a 6 aircraft abreast flight formation. Sgt. Merritt survived being shot down once over the Mediterranean Sea and then later on walked away from two crash landings.

While training at Tyndall Field in Panama City, FL to go to the Pacific Theater, he met Nellie Grace Goodwin - "the love of his life." They were married on June 4, 1945 and remained together for 70 years.

His USAF career spanned some 30 years of work in the Jet Aircraft, Radar, and Communications Maintenance Fields. During brief interruptions in service he worked in family roofing business in Portsmouth, VA.

Senior Master Sgt. Merritt retired from the U.S.A.F. in 1971 in Colorado Springs, CO. He then began doing business as Joe Merritt Roofing Company and became a sub contractor with Widefield Homes which continued for 10 plus years.

He enjoyed the out doors-hunting, fishing, golfing. He delighted in maintaining a well kept lawn which also delighted both Widefield Water and Scotts Turf Builder Companies!

He was a devoted husband and father. On July 2, 2015 following a short but aggressive illness, Joseph A. Merritt Jr. passed peacefully at home from this life and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and five siblings. He is survived by his wife Nellie and children Joseph III (wife Lorraine), Marty, Rita (husband James), and Mildred. His grandchildren: Carie, Joseph IV, (wife Stacia), John, Angie, Susie, and J-Bradley (wife Ruth Ann). His great grandchildren: Derick (wife Jennifer), Nicole, Dustin, Dylan, Colton, and Dian. His Great-great grandchildren: Isabella, Arianna, and Joyana. Also surviving are his two sisters Julia and Helen and numerous nephews and nieces.