CHARLOTTE — A homegoing service has been announced for a City of Charlotte employee who was killed in a fire ignited by an electrical problem at his home, Charlotte Fire said.
It happened in northwest Charlotte on April 30. Firefighters said they found heavy smoke and flames when they arrived around 2:45 a.m. at the two-story home on Elderbank Drive.
On May 1, Charlotte Fire confirmed Robert “Slugger” Wilson, who would have been 45 died in the fire. Wilson worked in Charlotte’s Solid Waste Department.
“The Charlotte Fire Department sends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilson family and friends,” the statement read.
Services will be held on Saturday at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 3301 Beatties Ford Rd.
Visitation is at 11 a.m. and homegoing services will be at noon.
The burial will take place at York Memorial Park and there will be no repass after it.
Charlotte Fire said 30 firefighters controlled the fire in 23 minutes. They determined an electrical problem sparked it, and said it caused at least $140,000 in damage.
Channel 9′s Glenn Counts spoke to neighbors who said they were woken up by the firefighters’ response to the home.
“The fire was pretty hot and pretty serious,” neighbor Roberta Mahatha said.
Another neighbor told Channel 9 that this was Wilson’s first home, and said he took care of it with great pride.
Steve Ferguson told Channel 9 that he just saw Wilson last week. He said the news was devastating.
”It hit home, it really does. Life doesn’t last always and you never know what’s on tomorrow. I know he didn’t see that coming. So my condolences definitely to his family, everyone affected in his, in my community so were hit hard,” Ferguson said.
“Just saw him, what Friday afternoon, getting the containers off the street. So it was really a blow to me this morning,” neighbor Denise Church told Channel 9.
Thursday night, Wilson’s loved ones gathered to celebrate his life.
“It’s a blessing to know that my son might be gone, but he will be remembered by many,” Mary Wilson, Robert’s mother, told Channel 9.
His family said they were grateful dozens of people traveled from all over the United States to honor the beloved father, brother, son, and Charlotte City employee.
They released balloons and lit candles in honor of Wilson’s memory.
“We’re gonna miss him. We love him. But he’s still in the heart. As long he said in the heart. We know he loved us and we loved him. This is a celebration. Nothing with sadness. We have to celebrate his life,” Mary said.
Mayor Vi Lyles shared the following statement in response to Wilson’s death:
“I am saddened by the news of Robert Wilson’s passing, a dedicated member of our city’s Solid Waste team. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy, and the circumstances surrounding this tragedy make it all the more heartbreaking. Robert’s work and contributions as a public servant will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones as they navigate this difficult time.”
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