William Otis Wylie Jr.

William Otis Wylie, Jr., 80, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 27, 2026. Born on April 25, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was the eldest of three sons of William Otis Wylie and Margaret Annabelle Shoemaker Wylie. He was also a direct descendant of Colonel Adam Alexander, a patriot and signer of the Mecklenburg County Declaration of Independence.

Bill graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1965, where he played both offensive guard and defensive middle guard on the football team. Football was a lifelong passion—he began playing organized football at the age of eight and played nearly every position. As a teenager, he also worked Georgia Tech football games at Bobby Dodd Stadium (formerly Grant Field), walking the stands selling concessions. He remained an avid fan throughout his life, especially of NC State, Georgia Tech, and the Carolina Panthers. During the Vietnam War era, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was recognized as the Outstanding Marine of his platoon of 90 recruits during basic training at Parris Island.

He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UNC Charlotte. On August 23, 1969, he married the love of his life, Judy Minday. The two first met as teenagers when Bill, at age 14, was introduced to Judy by his cousin, Carolyn, during a family visit to Charlotte. After his family relocated back to Charlotte, Bill and Judy reconnected, beginning a love story that would span more than five decades.

Bill enjoyed a successful career with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. He had a deep love for golf and treasured the many rounds he played with his father, brothers, and friends at Cedarwood Country Club. A dedicated member and leader at Cedarwood, Bill served on the Board of Directors and held roles as President, Vice President, and Chairman of the Greens Committee. His accomplishments on the course were numerous, including winning the Club Championship, Senior Club Championship, and multiple Member-Guest Championships. Notably, he won the Club Championship at age 60 from the back tees and shot an impressive 68 at age 78 in competition against River Run Country Club. Over the years, he recorded six holes-in-one and a rare double eagle. He had a passion for the game and played some of the world’s most renowned courses, including Augusta National, Oakmont, Pebble Beach, The Olympic Club, Royal Troon, Royal Dornoch, and St. Andrews.

A faithful member of Central Church in Charlotte, Bill, along with Judy, was deeply involved in the Encouraging Word Sunday School Class, which became like family to them. Each year, they graciously hosted the class at their home on Lake Wylie, creating cherished memories and lasting friendships.

Bill courageously fought an almost two-year battle with glioblastoma. His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors and nurses at Tryon Medical Partners, Atrium Health, Duke University Medical Center, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Carolina Oncology Specialists, as well as the caregivers at Carepoint. They are especially thankful for the exceptional care and kindness provided by the teams at VIA Health Partners and Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Judy; his daughter, Annabelle (Sean McLane) and their children, Madison, Caroline and Dean; his daughter, Leigh (Michael Goode); his son, Billy Wylie (partner, Emily) and their children, Dakota, Lucy and Waylon; his brothers, Walter Wylie (Anne) and Robert Wylie (Beth); and his close friend and cousin, Carolyn Ferguson; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Central Church, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC, with the Pastor Greg Baker officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Interment will be at 2 p.m., at Sharon Memorial Park Cemetery, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

Pallbearers will be Billy Wylie, Walter Wylie, Robert Wylie, David Wylie, Sean McLane, Dean McLane, Michael Goode and Temo Robles.

Memorials may be made to Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, First Tee of Greater Charlotte, Central Church, and Samaritan's Purse.