Brad Merritt

Brad was born Euell Braxton Merritt II, named after his paternal grandfather, on August 28,1960, in Bastrop, LA to Cecil Ray and Virginia Rose Merritt. He grew up in Louisiana, Mexico and Virginia, graduating from Ouachita High School in Monroe, LA in 1979. He later went to Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Like his father, Brad was an engineer’s engineer and could fix just about anything. After college, Brad started his engineering career at Trico Technologies and ended it on January 23, 2026, with 27 years’ service at Hubbell Power Systems. He was dedicated to his job and held titles like Plant Manager and Director of Engineering. He also enjoyed mentoring young engineers over the years.

Brad had a “need for speed”, and enjoyed motorcycling, both dirt and road, and also enjoyed driving cars fast at the track. He was an active instructor at Barber Motorsports Park, supporting organizations such as the BMW Car Club of America, the Porsche Club of America, and various other high performance driving organizations. Brad was not only a spirited driver on the track, but was also a seasoned instructor, who actually enjoyed getting in the right seat of a complete stranger’s car on a racetrack, relying on his ability to coach them around. Brad also simply enjoyed being at the track with friends, talking about cars and life. Other hobbies he enjoyed over the years were scuba diving, photography, saltwater fishing and sailing with his Dad.

Brad met Editha Earwood in 2006 and he spent the rest of his life loving her and her wonderful daughters, Sheryl and Melanie. He was looking forward to spending even more time with them, friends and extended family in retirement.

Brad often did small and large acts of service for others, those he knew and complete strangers. These acts often involved using his strengths by helping with cars, motorcycles, technology and home projects. He was generous and loving and will be greatly missed.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Ray Merritt and Virginia Russo Wolber. He is survived by his life partner, Editha Earwood; stepmother, Carolyn Merritt; stepfather, Jim Wolber; sister, Karen Merritt Mortazavi (Kaivon); stepsisters, Mona Maddox and Ginger Snider; stepchildren, Sheryl (Tai), Melanie (Charles), Chase and Daniel (Erika) and numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 24 at Kilgroe Funeral Home, 1750 Ashville Rd, Leeds, AL. Visitation is at 1:00 p.m. with the service at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to

UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care

UAB Dept. of Medicine Development - Center for Palliative and Supportive Care

1808 7th Ave S, BDB 420F

Birmingham, AL 35294-0012