This death was shocking made for the fact that viewers saw the reveal the same time as Daryl. Merle ended up a walker, but he still managed to do one last good deed in taking down some of the Governor's men. You even secretly wished he lived.
Shane: What's the difference between men and women. Rick: Is this a joke? Shane: No serious. I've never met a woman who knew how to turn off the light. Born thinking the switch only goes one way: on.