Richard Allen Merritt, Sr. (91), passed away January 22, 2026, at Opus Post Acute Rehabilitation Center after an extended illness. He was born September 1, 1934 in Newberry, South Carolina to William Bryant Merritt, Sr. and Nettie Boozer Merritt.  

Richard was educated in Newberry County Schools and graduated from Newberry High School. Richard proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was retired from the United States Postal Service with over 30 years of service as Letter Carrier. Richard was a member of Holland Avenue Baptist Church in Cayce, SC; Cayce Masonic Lodge No 384; the American Legion Post 79 and the National Association of Letter Carriers.  

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Brenda Wallace Merritt; his son-in-law, Mark E. Amick; his grandson, Hannon Michael Amick; nephew, William Allen Merritt, Sr.; and niece, Melodie Baughman. Richard will be missed by his loving Kibler and Merritt cousins.  

He was predeceased by his parents; his son, Richard Allen Merritt, Jr.; daughter, Kelly Anne Merritt Amick; and brother, William Bryant (Bill) Merritt, Jr.  

Chapel service will be conducted at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, SC, January 29, 2026 at 11AM, with a burial immediately following at Newberry Memorial Gardens. A visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service.  

Memorials may be made to Holland Avenue Baptist Church, 801 Twelfth Street, Cayce, SC 29033-3347.