On December 14, 2014, while holding hands with both his beloved wife and adored daughter, Joel Thomas Merritt peacefully left this world. His nearly three-year illness had curtailed many of his favorite activities, but his love for his family never diminished, and neither did his strength of spirit.

A man of great dignity and poise, Joel also enjoyed a rich social life, having met many people over the years in his travels throughout the world as a salesman in the textile industry. Some of his closest friends dated back to his days in the United States Army; others to his years at the N.C. State School of Textile Management. Some were friends he made in his days playing in an early North Carolina surf guitar band, The Jaguars. His love for playing the guitar was lifelong, and he played at home nearly every day until his illness made it impossible.

Joel would have told you that his entire life came into focus when he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Diane. After thirty years apart, they found one another again, and in the warmth of her steadfast love, Joel's heart extended even more to those around him, especially his daughter, Jennifer, whose love and companionship meant so much to him and of whom he was extremely proud. His stepchildren Nicole and Tony also benefitted from his wit, his love, and his beautiful demonstration of love for their mother, who he admired as much as any one person could revere another. He will be missed every day, every time we hear Elvis sing or the twang of a surf guitar, every time we see a Wolfpack game or a graceful man dancing a mean cha-cha. He was a gentleman to the last, as the nursing staff at Transitions Hospice can attest. He died holding the hands of the women he loved best - not ready to leave us, but at the end of his pain. He was loved.

Joel is survived by his wife, Diane Cash Merritt, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer & Stephen Nemrava, daughter and son-in-law Nicole Sarrocco & Jason Hedrick, grandchildren Veronica Markey and Linus Hedrick, and son Tony Sarrocco. Visitation and Funeral services will be held at Montlawn Memorial Park, Wednesday, December 17, 2014, beginning at 1:00 PM; service at 2:00 PM.

Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.