Marvin Odell Wilson, Jr., 78, passed away November 26th, 2023, at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. He was born to the late Marvin Odell, Sr. and Patty Wilson on December 12th, 1944, in Sanford, North Carolina.
Marvin was a lifetime member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church. He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1963 and attended Charlotte College. Marvin graduated in 1981 from Central Piedmont Community College with an AA-Fire Science Degree.
Prior to the establishment of Sunbelt Graphics, Marvin joined the Charlotte Fire Department January 2, 1969, where he worked until his retirement in June of 1995. Some of his proudest moments were being promoted to Captain in June of 1984 and, in the same year, being elected to serve as President of the Charlotte Fire Fighters Association, Local 660; a post he held for fourteen years. While president, he focused his attention on fundraising efforts for the Local 660. Having been elected to multiple terms on the Charlotte Fire Department Pension board, Marvin devoted many years to ensuring improved benefits for local firefighters. Raising funds for the Local 660 and revising the CFD pension plans were important highlights of Marvin's career. Through his involvement with the Fire Service, Marvin also ensured higher safety standards for firefighters both locally and nationally.
An avid outdoorsman, Marvin loved to hunt (especially white-tailed deer), fish and spend time surrounded by nature. He also had a passion for boating and spent many years with friends and family on Lake Norman. His last boat, MOWBOAT, was his pride and joy as well as his 1975 blue Corvette.
Marvin was also a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He is survived by Faye Wilson; his son, Lance Wilson (Denise); his granddaughters, Amber Tiley (Kyle) and Allison Wilson; and his great-granddaughter, Cynthia Tiley. He also leaves behind his sister, Marjorie Lockwood (Peeps); and his brothers, Walter Wilson (Peggy) and Robert Wilson (Becky).
A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, December 4th at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel. A second visitation will be held prior to the service on Tuesday, December 5th, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm in the parlor at Hickory Grove Methodist Church (6401 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte North Carolina 28215). The service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens in Mint Hill.
The family requests that memorials be made to Hickory Grove United Methodist Church general fund or preschool fund, 6401 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte North Carolina 28215; or the Salute to Heroes Charlotte Foundation, 11809 Pheasant Lane, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 - attn: Danny Graham or online at charlottesalutetoheroes.com/donatenow.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
