Billie G. Merritt

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Billie Gulledge Thompson Merritt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who left us peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the age of 78. 

 Billie is preceded in death by her parents, William ‘Bill’ Gulledge and Julia Gulledge; sister, Judy Hoyt; husband, Houston Merritt, along with many other loved ones throughout her life. She is survived by her children, William Thompson and spouse Todd Adams, Amanda Thompson Coyner and spouse Mark D. Coyner; their father, Jack Thompson; and grandchildren, Mark A. Coyner, Christian Coyner, and Cassidy Coyner. 

 Billie was born on May 11, 1946 in Charlotte, NC, but grew up in Wilmington, NC. She then attended nursing school at Bowman-Gray in Winston-Salem, NC. She later became Director of Nursing at Ocean View Memorial Hospital in Myrtle Beach, SC, as well as Director of Nursing at Myrtle Beach Manor in Myrtle Beach, SC. She went on to be founder and president of her own business, Vital Measurements of the Southeast, dedicated to helping others.

Billie was courageous, inspirational, kind, and funny. She enjoyed poetry and music and loved her family dearly. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Memorial services will be held at a later date. 

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