Danny Ray Wilson, a lifelong Charlotte native, passed away on December 26, 2025 after a short, but courageous battle with colon cancer, leaving behind a neighborhood full of stories, laughter, and love.

Danny was born on July 18, 1945, to William Woodrow Wilson and Mary Jane Miller Wilson. He graduated from Garinger High School in 1965.

Danny never met a thrift store he didn't love or a flea market he didn't stop for. He was famous for telling the same jokes over and over-and heaven help you if you didn't laugh like it was the first time. He had a habit of passing out candy, flirting harmlessly with waitresses, and spending quiet time sitting under his dogwood tree, watching the world go by.

Known affectionately as "Mr. Danny," he was well loved by his neighbors for his generosity, kind spirit, and familiar presence. He believed in showing up, sharing what he had, and making people feel seen-often with a smile, a joke, or a small gesture that meant more than words.

Danny worked as a Neese's Sausage delivery driver for 21 years, and handing out sausage and liver pudding to friends and loved ones became his love language. If you knew Danny, chances are you were fed-whether you asked for it or not.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Shannon Melton (Jeff); his grandchildren, MacKenzie Malone, Brian Malone (Paris), Kuyler Malone, and Caydence Malone; his great-granddaughter, Sage Malone; and his LITTLE brother, Dale Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wood "Dooney" Wilson and Larry Wilson; and his sister, Barbara Ward.

Danny will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. His jokes, his generosity, and the simple comfort of his presence will live on in the hearts of many.

A service celebrating Danny's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, at The Chapel at Morning Star in Matthews. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens in Mint Hill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer from Dec. 30, 2025 to Jan. 2, 2026.

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Jasmin Deese

January 2, 2026

I will missed you my buddy

Jasmin Deese

January 2, 2026

Shannon, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you´ve feeling. I am praying for your peace and comfort. Mr. Wilson my hey boy.... Losing someone so close is so hard. I feel bad I can´t even be there. I´m so sorry I hope you understand. There are not many people like you in this world and I am so grateful that I got the luck to be your friend. I really appreciate your kindness and your heart of gold. Rest in peace my best friend...

Michael Hough & Tina Gibson

Sent Flowers

John stamm

January 1, 2026

My deepest condolences and love to the family during this time of grief. Always remember the good times and hold on them.

Cliff Mursch

January 1, 2026

Danny, we miss you. You always made sure that I had some Neeses's scrable to eat whether I needed it or not. My wife and I met you when you moved to Cabarrus Woods in 1973. The whole neighborhood will miss you and especially the many bluebirds that you fed and raised in you yard and the hawks will miss your chicken wings in the yard. We had so many fun talks over the years. I always said that you were one of the best friends the neighborhood had. We love you, Cliff and Caryl

Diane Miller keever

December 31, 2025

Danny, rest in peace, sweet cousin. I remember all our fun times on Sunday afternoons when our families would visit. You certainly got your "wit" quite naturally from. "Uncle Gallant" and your mom. They were always cutting up and pulling jokes on someone. Making people laugh and putting a smile on faces was your thing. I'm sure God is glad to have you in the group. Until we meet again, my sweet cousin.

Gail Ward Cox

December 31, 2025

Shannon, I'm so sorry for your loss. Uncle Danny was a great man! You always felt better when you were around him. I know Mama
(Bibi) Uncle Larry and Uncle Wood and along with Grandma&Papa Wilson are having one wonderful reunion in heaven. That you for taking such good care of him.

Joe and shirley miller

December 31, 2025

We met Danny in 1967 they moved into the duplex next to us he was a good friend we will miss him.

Dale Wilson

December 31, 2025

Dale Wilson

December 30, 2025

I will miss My Brother Danny Wilson, He was 15 months older than Me and I always called him My little Brother because He was Short but He got Me when He made his Daughter Shannon to put in the Obi That I was His little Brother RIP Little Brother I will Miss You and will Always Love You, Tell Mom and Dad, Larry, Barbara (Bibi) and Wood (Dooney) I Love Them and will See all of You soon

Joyce Martin

December 30, 2025

Danny was such a good friend. He was so friendly and generous and always willing to help in any way he could. I will miss the jokes and his laughter. He was one of a kind and I will definitely miss him.

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