Robert Wayne Wilson

Robert Wayne Wilson, a beloved father, Paw Paw, cousin, and friend, peacefully transitioned from this life on January 6, 2026, at Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus, following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Wayne was born on April 1, 1943, in Iredell County, North Carolina, to the late Robert H. Wilson and Vaneva Cherry. He was educated in the Mecklenburg and Iredell County School Systems and later attended Central Piedmont Community College obtaining his associate’s degree in culinary arts.

Wayne lived a life marked by hard work, service, and connection to others. Throughout his career, he served in several roles, including Sous Chef at the Sheraton Hotel, Philip Morris, and Johnson C. Smith University, Truck Driver for Harris Teeter, employment with Reeves Brothers, and concluded his professional career as a cook at the VA Hospital in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he later retired.

He honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge, and continued his service through the Army Reserves.

Wayne was a man of faith from an early age. He grew up worshiping at Caldwell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Mt. Mourne, North Carolina. Later in life, after marrying Sarah Brice, he became a devoted member of Torrence Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Cornelius, North Carolina, where he faithfully served on the Stewards Board.

Wayne was united in marriage to Sarah Brice, and from that union were born three children. He was also later married to Ethel Knox. He made his home in Salisbury, North Carolina, at the Villas on Lash Senior Apartments, where he built a strong and meaningful community of friends—true to his nature, no matter where he went, Wayne always knew somebody.

Wayne was an active member of the Iredell Rowan Golf Association (IRGA) and J. C. Price American Legion, Post No. 107.

Above all, Wayne cherished his family. He was incredibly proud of his children and especially his grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and milestones and never missing an opportunity to brag on them to anyone who would listen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. Wilson and Vaneva Cherry; his siblings, Sinclair Cherry and William “Bill” F. Caldwell; and his daughter, Carol Houston.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Angela Houston, Wendy Brown, Aurrita Payne (Thomas Payne), Devonia Wilson, and Devon Wilson; his grandchildren: LaToya, Jarrod, Sanchez, Dominique, Deshika, Daryl, Rachael, Jasmine, D’Andre, Rochelle, Maya, and Cameron; a host of great-grandchildren; his beloved sister-in-law, Erma Black; and a loving extended family and dear friends.

In his later years, Wayne enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with family. He had a special love for chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and hamburgers.

Robert Wayne Wilson lived fully, loved deeply, served faithfully, and leaves behind a legacy of connection, joy, and pride in family that will forever be cherished.

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