Hazy Ray Merritt, Jr., a devoted husband, beloved father, proud Papa, and cherished friend, passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 81. His life was marked by hard work, love, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Ray was married to the love of his life, Sandra Gossett Merritt, for 61 wonderful years. Together they built a life full of laughter, devotion, and family. He is survived by his three children: Hazy Ray Merritt III “Trey” and his wife Lonna of Pendleton; Sandra Rae Harris and her husband Russell of Gaffney; and Shara Merritt, of the home. He was the proud Papa of Kaeleigh Rae, Chance Ray, Kaeden Raelyn, and Hazy Ray IV, and the great-grandfather of Killian Rayne.
Ray grew up in St. Stephen, South Carolina, where he developed his strong values and deep sense of community. He graduated from St. Stephen High School and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University in 1965—a school and team he would passionately support for the rest of his life.
With a career spanning over 65 years in HVAC and plumbing project management, Ray left a lasting mark on the industry. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was serving as the project manager overseeing HVAC and plumbing renovations for the historic South Carolina Statehouse.
He is also survived by his loving siblings, James “Jimmy” Merritt and Annette Dantzler.
Ray was a jack of all trades—there was nothing he couldn’t fix—and he was always ready to lend a hand. He found joy in westerns, dancing the shag with Sandra, and listening to beach music and golden oldies. Above all, he treasured Clemson University football, sharing many game days with his family.
To know Ray was to know kindness, strength, wisdom, and quiet determination. He was an extraordinary son, husband, brother, daddy, papa, and friend, whose legacy of love and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. GO TIGERS!
A reception for Hazy will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow St, Irmo, South Carolina 29063, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM. Friends and loved ones are warmly invited to attend and honor his life.
