The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance (LRBA) hosted its annual Hall of Fame Gala this past weekend, celebrating this year’s distinguished inductees. Among those honored were members of the Merryman family—Sonny, Lou, Pat, and Floyd Merryman.
Held in the ballroom of The Virginian Hotel, the event brought together local business professionals, government leaders, and other stakeholders for an evening of reflection and recognition. Attendees heard inspiring stories of dedication, milestones, and the transformative impact these honorees have made, not only in Central Virginia but also across their respective industries, leaving an enduring legacy.
Todd Hall, President of First National Bank of Altavista, took the stage to introduce the Merryman family. A Rustburg native, where Sonny Merryman Inc. was originally headquartered, Hall shared his personal experiences of knowing and working with the family. “I feel privileged to have known Sonny and a number of other strong business-minded personalities in or around the Rustburg area when I was growing up. They made impressions on me and helped drive my desire to be active in business,” he said before inviting Pat and Floyd Merryman to the stage to accept the honor on behalf of their family.
Both Pat and Floyd shared personal reflections on their careers and the legacy of their parents, offering a glimpse into the continued success and future of Sonny Merryman Inc., a company deeply embedded in the local community for generations.
“In the earlier years, there were not many females in our company and industry, but now that has changed. We have a host of key females at our company…The company is in good hands,” said Pat, a trailblazer who boldly forged her path in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her words highlighted the company’s growth and evolving leadership, underscoring the strides the organization has made in fostering diversity and inclusion.
“[In the early 90s], we purchased a 25-acre tract of land on Route 29 for $26,000. Imagine that, Billy!” Floyd quipped to fellow inductee Billy Walker of John Stewart Walker Real Estate. The company moved into the new facility built on that land in 1991, which remains its headquarters today. “Since then, the company has continued to grow and now operates [three additional] sales and service facilities in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads, as well as three NAPA stores,” Floyd said, reflecting on the company’s steady growth and ongoing investment over the years.
A central theme in both Pat and Floyd’s remarks was their recognition and gratitude for the many long-standing employees who have contributed significantly to the growth of Sonny Merryman Inc. “Many of these individuals have been with us for years, and to our family, they are Merrymans,” Pat shared, reflecting on the relationships built over the years through both business and friendship. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average tenure of 3.9 years for wage and salary workers, Sonny Merryman Inc. boasts an average tenure of nearly 10 years among its nearly 200 employees.
“I’ve been with Sonny Merryman for nearly 30 years, and I admired Sonny immensely—there’s never been anyone who could turn a deal quite like him. His larger-than-life personality and enduring spirit still resonate throughout our company today. The Merryman family has always been rooted in a strong work ethic, dedication to customers, and building a workplace that’s more than just a job—it’s a place of comradery, generosity, and true leadership,” said Dean Farmer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing and a long-time team member.
“Sonny Merryman Inc. stands proudly on a legacy over 57 years in the making. The Merryman family and this company have set a standard in our industry and community, embodying what’s possible through hard work and the American Dream. Our workforce today is entrusted to uphold this legacy and the values it was established on and build upon them—a responsibility we embrace with immense pride as we forge new paths of growth and opportunity for the future,” said Caley Edgerly, President & CEO of Sonny Merryman.
In closing the evening’s Gala, Floyd Merryman shared these final words: “The Sonny Merryman company is an amazing story, from the humble beginnings with Sonny and Lou to the present day, with a team of dedicated individuals, many from Campbell County. In closing, I will say this: our team is poised for an even greater future for our employee-owners and customer-partners.”
Founded in 2018, the LBRA Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of civic and business leaders whose contributions are both outstanding and historically significant. Since its inception, 38 individuals and families have been awarded this prestigious honor.
*https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/tenure.pdf
About the inductees
Sonny & Lou Merryman
Floyd Withers “Sonny” Merryman, Jr., was born in Rustburg, Virginia, where his vibrant personality earned him the nickname “Sonny” at a young age. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he began his journey early by delivering newspapers and groceries. His first major business venture was founding Rustburg Block Company, followed by a role at Smith-Moore Body Company, where he honed the skills that would shape his career. In 1967, alongside his wife, Frances “Lou” Taylor, he co-founded Sonny Merryman Inc. Through Sonny’s tireless efforts and his keen ability to master the art of the deal, the company evolved from humble beginnings to become Virginia’s premier bus dealership. His career was trademarked as one of “turning yellow into green,” reflecting his knack for transforming opportunities into success. While the business flourished, Sonny remained deeply committed to the community, believing that the students who rode the buses were the true heart of his work. A passionate supporter of Virginia Tech, he established scholarships and generously contributed to educational initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity and commitment that continues to resonate within the company and the lives he touched.
Frances T. “Lou” Merryman, the eldest of six children raised on a Pittsylvania County tobacco farm, learned the value of hard work early in life. A registered nurse by profession, she met her future husband, Sonny Merryman, and together they co-founded Sonny Merryman Inc., one of the nation’s most respected bus dealerships. Although the company bore Sonny’s name, Lou played an equally vital role in its success, taking on multiple responsibilities, including bookkeeper, office manager, and sales coordinator. Lou has always been the heart of both her family and the business, serving as a steadfast wife, loving mother, and the guiding force behind it all.
Pat Merryman
Alice Patricia “Pat” Merryman has been a key figure in the success of Sonny Merryman Inc. since joining the family business in 1975. She played a pivotal role in leading the company’s storage trailer and container division, transforming it into a thriving enterprise with over 1,200 rental units. Beyond her business achievements, Pat has made significant contributions to the Central Virginia community and served on numerous local boards, such as the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) organization, The Lynchburg Business Alliance, University of Lynchburg, and First National Bank. This year she was recognized as the Philanthropist of the Year by CASA, a significant honor for her dedicated support and work with the organization. She is also a passionate supporter of the arts as well as the family’s beloved Virginia Tech, where she is actively involved in various university initiatives. Now retired from day-to-day operations, Pat remains an active and vocal member of the Board, where her guiding leadership and unwavering focus on employees and customers continue to resonate throughout the company.
Floyd Merryman
Floyd Merryman joined the company in 1981 and took the helm of Sonny Merryman, Inc. in 1991. Over his 30 years as President and CEO, Floyd elevated the business to new heights, expanding its portfolio to include a commercial bus division and growing its footprint with locations in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Greater Richmond. Under his leadership, the company became Virginia’s largest bus dealership, employing nearly 200 workers. A proud Virginia Tech alumnus, Floyd has been deeply involved with the university, contributing to both athletic and academic programs. Today, he serves as Chairman of the Board and enjoys golfing and card playing while splitting time between Smith Mountain Lake and Blacksburg with his wife, Roya. His exceptional business acumen and visionary approach continue to resonate within the company, shaping its ongoing success and commitment to excellence.