Merrell Lee Patrick died peacefully on Monday, August 8, 2022 at the age of 89 in his home in Hampton, Virginia with family by his side. Merrell was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky. His childhood spent on his parents' tobacco and dairy farm gave him an exemplary work ethic that persisted throughout his life. His parents encouraged and supported his education, and Merrell proved to have the brain of a computer, a natural gift that he worked hard to refine. He began his schooling at Oddville, Kentucky, but eventually became part of the first graduating class of the newly formed Harrison County High School. He took a job in the cafeteria to help support his education at Eastern Kentucky University where he earned his B.S.  With a goal to teach math in high school, he then went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Kentucky. There, his professors encouraged him to continue his education, and Merrell started his doctorate at Stanford University while also working for the Lockheed Corporation.  He later completed his PhD at Carnegie Mellon University.

Merrell first joined the Math faculty at Duke University, but eventually, he and another professor founded Duke's Computer Science program.  Merrell served on the faculty at Duke for 33 years, earning the title Professor Emeritus. In addition to his work as a professor, Merrell did research on the space station for NASA, reviewed grants for the National Science Foundation and served in a consulting role for the University of Utah.

Despite his professional accomplishments, Merrell was a humble man, a good friend to many, and a caring son, brother, and uncle.  A loving father and step-father, and a devoted grandfather, Merrell loved spending time with his family at the beach.  He was an ardent Duke basketball fan, and when younger, enjoyed demonstrating his own hook shot to his kids.  His greatest joy was seeing his family happy and cared for.

Merrell is preceded in death by his parents Gertrude and Raphael Patrick, his brother Eugene, sister-in-law Betty, brother-in-law Bob, and nephew Mark. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, daughter Jenny (Evan), son Ian (Debbie), sister Phyllis, stepsons Brad, Bryan (Christine), and Brett (Nicole), as well as granddaughters Kiley and Allison, and step-granddaughters Blakelei and Amory. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Pam (Butch), Sandy (Larry), Diane (Mike), Pat (Angie) and Deandra (Kyle) and extended family Kathi, and his first wife Cindy. A ceremony will be held in Cynthiana, KY at a date to be determined where Merrell will rest with his parents. Because Merrell supported many charitable causes, instead of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in his memory.