Benjamin "Benji" Ray Merrill, 45, of Otway, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Carteret Health Care.

A graveside service to honor Benji’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at Gillikin Family Cemetery in Otway, officiated by Rev. Manley Rose Jr. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday evening, March 7, at Munden Funeral Home.

Benji was born May 31, 1980, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Benjamin “Ben” Merrill Jr. and Lula Belle Merrill. He was a skilled mechanic who loved working on cars. If you knew him, you knew he was happiest with a wrench in his hand and grease on his clothes. He had a passion for fast cars and could often be found tuning, fixing, or talking about engines.

Benji loved listening to music and spending time by the shore, where he could relax and enjoy the peace of the Crystal Coast. It was one of the places he felt most at home. He also had a big appetite and especially loved seafood. Shrimp and crab cakes were some of his favorites, and he never turned down a good slice of pie or cake. Benji also enjoyed spending time in the yard, planting things and working in the dirt. It brought him a lot of simple joy to watch what he planted grow.

Benji loved the Lord and found comfort in reading his Bible. More than anything, he loved his children with all his heart, and they truly meant the world to him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his children, Landon Merrill and Carma Merrill, both of Cedar Island, NC; sisters, Crystal Moore (Tony) of Harkers Island, NC and Salli Wade of Beaufort, NC; aunt, Gladys Garner (Jimmy) of Newport, NC; companion, Agnes Yeomans of Harkers Island, NC; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with funeral expenses by clicking here.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.