Merle Stanley Johnson, 71, of Avon, died August 8, 2019, at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, Tarboro.

Born in Charles Town, WV on October 13, 1947, he was the son of the late Charlena Miller Johnson and Earl William Johnson.

Merle graduated from Charles Town High School in 1966, attended Shepherd College, served our country honorably in the United States Navy and retired as Coordinator from Kraft Foods in Winchester, Va.

He is survived by daughters Jessica Kahn and husband Marcus of Fredericksburg, Va. and Nicole Ryder and husband Patrick of Aurora, Colo.; grandchildren Samuel and Benjamin Kahn and Penelope, Charlotte and William Ryder; and brother Earl S. Johnson and wife Gayle of Avon.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Charles Town High Alumni Association for their scholarship fund (111 Donald Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414).

Twiford Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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