COLERAIN – Merritt Edward Peele, 88, of 2629 NC Hwy. 45 North, Colerain, died Saturday, January 26, 2013 in Vidant Inpatient Hospice, Greenville, ending an extended struggle with cancer.

Mr. Peele was a native of Bertie County, the son of Mark Edward and Ruth Pratt Peele.  A veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, he first served in the United States Navy before beginning a military career in the United States Army, retiring in 1970 as a Master Sergeant with 24 years of service.  During that period of service he was awarded several commendations and medals and saw action in both the Asiatic-Pacific and European-African Theatres.  After retirement, he was a longtime employee of Beasley Oil Company, and was a lifetime member of Colerain Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his five brothers, Claude, Sidney, Louvelle, Calvin, and William.

Merritt was a loving husband, father, and Papa.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Mizelle Peele; his son, Dr. Mark Edward Peele (JoAnne) of San Antonio, TX; his daughter, Lydia Peele Barber (Anthony) of Waldorf, MD; five grandchildren, Merritt Edward Peele of Winston-Salem, Sarabeth Peele of Chicago, IL, Brynn Butts of Knoxville, TN, Victoria Barber of Durango, CO and Alec Cianfichi of Vilseck, Germany; and nieces and nephews, Linda Hefner, Ruth Kollath, Larry Peele and Wayne Peele.  Special extended family members include Amanda and Chris Greene and their children, Camden (godson), Sydney Merritt, and Logan of Durham; and longtime family friends, Joseph and Mildred Lang of Kerrville, TX.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Colerain Baptist Church by the Rev. Donald G. Roberts, Jr., pastor.  A private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Hillcrest Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the home at any time.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, that contributions in his memory be made to Colerain Baptist Church, P.O. Box 126, Colerain, NC  27924.

Miller Funeral Home & Crematory of Edenton is handling the arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.