'THE GUYS WHO SAVED ME' Senior softball player in Hickory says softball saved him after wife's death JASON KOON May 19, 2026 May 19, 2026 0 1 of 3 Ron Merritt Sr. (right) talks to a teammate as he coaches first base at the Unifour Senior Games softball tournament on April 25 in Hickory. JASON KOON PHOTOS, RECORD Ron Merritt Jr. tracks down a ground ball at the Unifour Senior Games softball tournament on April 25. Ron Merritt sr. and Ron Merritt Jr. celebrate winning the age 50 championship at the Unifour senior Games softball tournament on April 25. SUBMITTED PHOTO Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save JASON KOON Ron Merritt Sr. won't hesitate to tell you how he managed to survive the death of his wife of 60 years last fall.kAmQ$@>6 @7 E96D6 8FJD[ E96D6 2C6 E96 8FJD H9@ D2G65 >6 H96? x H2D C62==J 5@H? >6?E2==J[Q |6CC:EE $C] D2:5] Qx 86E E62CJ\6J65 E9:?<:?8 23@FE :E] %96D6 8FJD D2G65 >6 3642FD6 x H2D C62==J 5@H?]Qk^AmkAm|6CC:EEVD H:76 925 2>J@EC@A9:4 =2E6C2= D4=6C@D:D Wp{$X[ <?@H? 2D {@F v69C:8VD 5:D62D6[ 2?5 6G6? 367@C6 D96 5:65[ 9:D 7C:6?5D 2?5 E62>>2E6D 7C@> 9:D D6?:@C D@7E32== =628F6[ H9@> 96 4@>A6E65 H:E9 :? w:4<@CJ 7@C E96 D6?:@C 82>6D[ H6C6 E96C6 E@ DFAA@CE 9:>]k^Am kAmQtG6? H96? 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Voters to decide this fall The Madness holds soft opening of the new Marion restaurant Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young bonds with WRs on 4-wheelers, horseback McDowell EMS, 38 other agencies get slice of $10 million in state funding McDowell High School graduates 313 in Friday ceremony 1,000 jobs coming to North Carolina in new Corning, Amazon data center deal McDowell High School graduation is Friday. Shuttles to run from three parking areas 28th annual Operation Backpack set to begin for McDowell’s students Insider: Panthers reportedly have visions of Jonathon Brooks becoming lead RB over Hubbard McDowell County Democrats open new headquarters What was happening in McDowell County in June 250 years ago? Historian tells us Two McDowell students among 215 to receive Golden LEAF scholarships kAm|6CC:EE $C][ 2 r92C=@EE6 C6D:56?E[ D2:5[ :? 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Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Related to this story Most Popular Marion man gets multiple drug charges after SWAT Team search "This arrest is the result of the continued dedication of our team to remove illegal drugs from our communities." Lake James beach day, music highlight free things to around McDowell County area this weekend The Barefoot Baby Foundation and Centro Unido Latin America will host a free family beach day at Lake James State Park. Opening soon? The Madness, Copper Penny Grill still coming to Marion, owners say Despite some delays, two new restaurants for Marion – The Madness and The Copper Penny Grill – are still in the works to open soon. Should McDowell County's sales tax increase? Voters to decide this fall The McDowell County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to call for a referendum to raise the sales tax to 7%. The Madness holds soft opening of the new Marion restaurant The new restaurant/bar is located at the Larry D. Miller Business Complex, where Burrito Bros. used to operate.
Marion man gets multiple drug charges after SWAT Team search "This arrest is the result of the continued dedication of our team to remove illegal drugs from our communities."
Lake James beach day, music highlight free things to around McDowell County area this weekend The Barefoot Baby Foundation and Centro Unido Latin America will host a free family beach day at Lake James State Park.Â
Opening soon? The Madness, Copper Penny Grill still coming to Marion, owners say Despite some delays, two new restaurants for Marion – The Madness and The Copper Penny Grill – are still in the works to open soon.
Should McDowell County's sales tax increase? Voters to decide this fall The McDowell County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to call for a referendum to raise the sales tax to 7%.
The Madness holds soft opening of the new Marion restaurant The new restaurant/bar is located at the Larry D. Miller Business Complex, where Burrito Bros. used to operate.
