Wendell Ray Martin

In the gentle transition from winter to spring, Wendell Ray Martin, 69, found his eternal peace on March 20, 2025, at his home in Charlotte North Carolina, born March 5, 1956 in the foothills of Canton, Georgia, Wendell lived a life that quietly transformed the world around him through acts of kindness and genuine consideration.

He attended Cherokee High School in Canton, and later the historic grounds of Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, where Wendell's curious mind and warm spirit grew and touched all with whom he came in contact. His professional journey led him to IMEX, Skiline, and TiMotion in Charlotte, where colleagues became friends and where his meticulous attention to detail was matched only by his generosity of heart.

Wendell approached life with quiet passion, finding joy in simple moments that many overlook. In a world where borders seem increasingly insurmountable, he cherished the beauty of a multicultural and inclusive country. He dedicated countless hours to building bridges between cultures, serving as co-coordinator for more than 20 years at the English hour at International House, where his gentle guidance helped newcomers find community and connection.

Wendell was also a longtime, active, member of the Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte, where he modeled Christ’s teachings through his relationships with all he befriended and welcomed to his church. He was a loyal and faithful servant during his three decades at MCC, serving in most of its ministries over the years, including worship, deaconate, and Board of Directors. He always answered “Yes, Lord” whenever he was asked to be of service to the congregation, up to and including when the church had to close its doors in May 2022 resulting from the long-lasting effect of COVID on church attendance. He was loved by all.

The tapestry of Wendell's life was interwoven with those who preceded him in death: his loving parents, Paul Martin, Sr. and Gladys Barrington Martin, and his beloved niece Whitney Mattingly, whose memory he carried close to his heart.

The light of Wendell's life continues to shine through those who survive him, especially his devoted husband, Julio (Beto) Pereda, who shared in his daily joys and sorrows for over 23 years, and lovingly cared for him during his last months of life to ensure a peaceful and loving transition.

He is also survived by: his brother, Paul Martin, Jr. (with sister-in-law Shirley), and his sisters, Sharon Mattingly (with brother-in-law Wayne) and Vickie Martin (with Jonathan Hines). He is also survived by: his nephews, Bart Mattingly and Regan Mattingly (with Jennifer), and his niece, Erica Deese; as well as his great-nieces, Caitlin Deese and Elliot Mattingly, and great-nephew Bruce Deese.

A celebration of Wendell's meaningful journey will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025at Holy Covenant United Church of Christ,3501 West W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Wendell’s memory be made to:

International House   1611 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."–Helen Keller