Gene Riley Merritt, age 74, of Franklin, WV, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. He was the husband of Mary Christine (Doll) Merritt, of Franklin, WV. Born on August 21, 1946, in Gulfport, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Gordon and Virginia (Riley) Merritt.

A graduate of Sparks High School in Sparks, Nevada, Gene went on to a prolific career in the U.S. Navy that took him around the world, and ultimately, brought him to West Virginia.Besides his wife of 42 years, Gene is survived by a son, Thaddeus Merritt (Jill Anderson) of Medford, MA; a daughter, Alicia Merritt Russell (Morgan) of Silver Spring, MD; a brother, Glenn Merritt (Valeri) of Gulfport, MS; a sister, Melody Merritt of Denver, CO; and granddaughters, Imogen Merritt and Teagan Russell. He is preceded in death by his brother, John, and sister, Sandra.

In 1965, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in an enlisted capacity until April 1978 when he was commissioned an Ensign through the Navy's Limited Duty Officer program, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His first assignment was aboard the USS Leary (DD-879). Other assignments included USS Palm Beach (AGER-3) and Naval Electronics Systems Engineering Center, San Diego. Upon commissioning, LCDR Merritt served at Naval Security Group Activity, Naples, Italy, and as Cryptologic Support Officer for Commander Submarine Group Eight, Naples, Italy. His last assignment was as Officer in Charge, Naval Security Group Detachment, Sugar Grove, WV. He liked to say that he did it all—land, surface ship, air and submarine.

During his time in the Navy, LCDR Merritt earned numerous awards including the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), the Combat Action Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation and a Meritorious Service Medal.Following retirement from the Navy in 1989, he turned his passion for photography into a second career as owner and operator of Gene's Photography in Franklin where he captured countless portraits, weddings, and passport photos throughout the area for nearly 20 years.A loyal and active member of the Moose#769, Gene also enjoyed several hobbies including fishing, photography, and as an avid ham radio operator known by his call sign " NT6R." He received his first radio operator license at the age of 16 and dedicated countless hours to radio over the years. One of his final accomplishments was the construction of an elaborate "radio shack" on his property.

In honoring Gene's wishes, his body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to PAWS, POB 804, Franklin, WV 26807, or the local Christian Assistance Network. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.