Born in his grandparents’ house in Rose Hill, Eugene W. Merritt Jr. would go on to become one of the most influential and prolific people when it comes to the devleopment and growth of southeastern North Carolina.
The Duplin County native has recently published a book titled “Citizen Warrior,” which details his many accomplishments from revitalizing the downtown Wilmington area to helping pave the way for Interstate 40’s eventual route from Benson to Wilmington, which has opened the door for Duplin’s growth and development, particularly in the Wallace and Warsaw areas. Next on his docket is to help revive passenger rail services from Wilmington to Raleigh, a plan that will include Duplin County along the way.
“I was born in Rose Hill on Oct. 22, 1944, at 6:30 p.m., Front and Main Street, in Lucy Farrior and Ward Farrior’s house,” Merritt said. “The doctor that delivered me was a well known doctor in the community. He delivered everyone.”…