James Thomas “Tommy” Merritt, 82, of Franklinville passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 surrounded by his family at home.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Bethel Baptist Church in Asheboro with Pastor Jody Harrison, Rev. Tim Strider, and Rev. Tommy Kidd officiating. Burial will follow at Clear View Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 PM until 1:45 PM in the church sanctuary.

Tommy was born in Sampson County on February 24, 1944 to the late Charlie James “Bud” Merritt and Mary Alice Kornegay Merritt. He was a 1962 graduate of Union High School in Rose Hill and was a veteran of the United States Army. Tommy had a strong work ethic and was a man of many skills and talents. He worked for several years as a transportation attendant at Dorothea Dix, spent several years in the insurance industry with Southland Life Insurance Company and was a route truck driver for Tom’s Snacks. Tommy retired from Energizer Battery Manufacturing as a small parts mechanic in 2009 after thirty-three years of service.

Tommy had a relationship with Jesus and it was evident by the way he loved and served others. He and his wife, Jane served together in the local church for many years and have most recently been attending Bethel Baptist Church. Tommy was quiet when he felt it was necessary, but always enjoyed an opportunity to “pick on” his family and friends. He liked to be outdoors whether he was camping, fishing, working in the yard or garden, canoeing or cutting firewood.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his sister, Louise Guy. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jane Nance Merritt of the home, sons, Jim “Jimbob” Merritt (Tammie) of Farmer, and Jason Merritt (Crystal) of Hurt, VA, his grandchildren, Jessica Brooks (Josh) of Bear Creek, Kerri Howell of Winston Salem, Christopher Price of Asheboro, Katie Howell of Winston Salem, Megan Horton (Landon) of Denton, and Luna Merritt of Hurt, VA, as well as his great grandchildren, Iris, Jena, Jared, Beckett and one more due in August. He is also survived by his siblings, Doris Batts of Magnolia, Edith Murray (Phillip), Donald Ray Merritt, both of Raleigh, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Michelle and Rosemary with Hospice of Randolph for their compassionate care during the last few days, as well as their wonderful neighbors and friends who have loved on them and cared for their family over the last few months and years.

Please take a moment to share condolences and memories on the Tribute Wall with Mr. Tommy’s family at www.coleycares.com.

Coley Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to take part in serving the Merritt family and celebrating the life of Mr. Tommy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Baptist Children’s Home in Thomasville, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361.