Rikie L. Merritt peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends, on August 27, 2026, at the age of 64 at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, following a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
Rik was born on October 25, 1961, to Madge and Homer Merritt. A longtime Newport News (Newmarket) resident, he graduated from Warwick High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps with stations in Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Thailand. After receiving an honorable discharge, Rik traveled across the country before returning home to Newport News.
Rik loved spending time outdoors, enjoying activities like surfing, skating, biking, camping, gardening, and riding his motorcycle. A true jack-of-all-trades, he worked as an electrician, a car salesman, and a Herr’s Snacks route driver before joining his brother David to launch Merritt Enterprises, publishers of city and military newcomer guides.
Rik married the love of his life, Alma Neyra, whom he met while she was caring for his mother. Together, they raised their two children, Christian Zachary and Harmony, in the family home where Rik grew up. He cherished his close-knit Filipino family and loved celebrating together over delicious food. Rik took great pride in cooking holiday meals using family recipes, and he created fond memories taking his family on getaways to Annapolis, Maryland, and Savannah, Georgia.
Rik was best known for his devoted Christian faith, his selfless nature, and his strength. He and his family were longtime members of Parkview Methodist Church. He will always be remembered for living life to the fullest and for putting others before himself with a smile. Rik fought hard to live to see Christian graduate from Virginia Tech with an engineering degree, and he was a proud father.
Rik is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Alma Neyra Merritt; his children, Christian Zachary Merritt and Harmony Merritt; daughter-in-law, Desman Braxton; brother, David Merritt; father-in-law, Tyrone Neyra; brother-in-law, Jun Neyra; sister-in-law, Kristin Neyra; niece, Alexis Neyra; and nephew, Justin Neyra. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer L. Merritt Jr. and Madge Waddles Merritt, and his mother-in-law, Evelyn Neyra.
May Rikie’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
A celebration of life to honor Rikie Merritt will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Parkview Methodist Church, 912 Briarfield Rd, Newport News, VA 23605, with a fellowship luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Parkview Methodist Church in Rikie’s name.
9 Comments
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and peace in God’s promise to swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. – Isaiah 25:8 Condolences
Condolences from Tita Helen Stone in PH.
Condolences to the family😢🙏In sympathy 💐💐💐
Sending my deepest condolences to the Family, So sorry for your loss. 🌹💜
My most sincere condolences to Alma, the children, David & the family. I pray that The Fathers Spirit will continue to give you peace & comfort in your moment of bereavement. 🙏🏾
My deepest condolences Alma! I will keep you and the family in prayer. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I am so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to have known him and be his neighbor. May God be with all of you during this time of sorrow
Sending my deepest condolences to the family; may you all be blessed with strength during this difficult time !
My condolences brother. Rikie was a good soul.