Julian Merrick Gilroy | Eastern NC Now

Born: January 21, 1933, Died: May 10, 2017

    Mr. Julian Merrick Gilroy, Jr., age 84, a resident of 105 Leigh Drive, Washington, was born on January 21, 1933, in Washington, D.C.

    Merrick played tennis at McKinley Tech High School in D.C. before moving with his family to Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Michigan State University, he began a 38-year career with General Motors, retiring as Director of Purchasing for the Saginaw Division.

    Merrick and Naomi Gilroy were married on September 18, 1954. After their retirement, the couple moved to Washington, North Carolina in 1992. The Gilroys faithfully attended the Plymouth Church of the Nazarene for 18 years and then the First Free Will Baptist Church in Washington for the past seven years.

    Merrick loved road trips, tennis, reading, yard work, and a weekly trip to the Outer Banks. He was loved greatly by his wife, children, grandchildren, and many friends.

    Merrick Gilroy is survived by his wife of almost 63-years, Naomi, and his children, Cheri L. Williamson and her husband, Rev. Steven, of Pendleton, Indiana; Mark K. Gilroy and his wife, Amy, of Brentwood, Tennessee; Susan Cunningham and her husband, David, of Auburn, Kansas. He will be missed by his 14 grandchildren: Amber Baron; Lindsey Gilroy; Kyle Cunningham; Eric Cunningham; Merrick Gilroy; David Williamson; Ashley Wein; Kyle Williamson; Lauren Landis; Caroline Fontela; Bo Ackerson; Zachary Gilroy; Paige Cunningham; and Ryan Cunningham.

    Mr. Gilroy was preceded in death by his close friend and brother, Dale Floor Gilroy. His sister, Janet Herdler, resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

    The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM Monday, May 15, 2017, at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Washington, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM, conducted by Pastor Todd Parrish and Rev. Steve Creech.

    Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Gilroy family.