Marvin L. Sloan

1943 - 2025

Marvin L. Sloan, Sr., age 82, of Callahan, Florida, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, Feb. 6, 1943, to the late James L. Sloan, Sr. and Pauline Latta Sloan. Marvin grew up in North Jacksonville with his brothers, Jim and Philip, and sister, Nancy. His family attended Riverview United Methodist Church, where Marvin learned to love the Lord. Marvin graduated in 1961 from Ribault High School and later went on to get an A.A. Degree from Florida Junior College of Jacksonville.
In 1964, Marvin married Cheryl Braddock Sloan, and they had 3 sons, Marvin, Jr., Brian, and Stephen, and one daughter, Cynthia. As a young man, Marvin started bagging groceries at the local Winn Dixie in Lake Forest and worked his way up to store manager. During his 53 years at Winn Dixie, he opened the new stores in both Callahan and Hilliard, Florida, as well as managing the ones in Fernandina Beach and Neptune Beach, and on Soutel Drive and Lem Turner on the Northside of Jacksonville.
The only break was when he went into the U.S. Navy in 1964 for a short full-time stint, and then continued full-time with Winn Dixie when he transitioned to the reserves. Marvin was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1976 and was proud to have served his country. Marvin and Cheryl moved to Callahan in 1973, when he was chosen to open the new Winn Dixie store. They attended Callahan Methodist Church, raising their children to love the Lord as they did.
Marvin was active in Boy Scouts, leading a troop for many years, and active in the West Nassau Band Boosters, serving as president, as all four children went through the band program. Marvin loved camping with the North Florida United Methodist Camping Group, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge and AMVETS, and he volunteered his time to drive cancer patients to their chemo appointments.
He loved photography and has provided many church families with Santa pictures and family photos around the living cross, as well as earning many blue ribbons for his photos from the fair. Marvin and Cheryl loved attending Callahan Methodist Church and, after retiring from Winn Dixie, you could find Marvin almost daily at the church, doing one odd job or another.
After his stroke in 2019, he continued to serve the congregation as he could from his wheelchair, by helping serve communion on the Sundays that he could make it. He loved his church family.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, James and Pauline Sloan; brother in-law, Howard Wheeler; and sister-in-law, Harriet Sloan. Marvin is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cheryl Sloan; sons, Marvin Sloan, Jr. (Tamara), Brian Sloan (Brittany), and Stephen Sloan (Natalie); daughter, Cynthia McNeill (Bob); brothers, Jim Sloan and Philip Sloan (Amy); sister, Nancy Wheeler; 10 grandchildren, Kimberly, Madison, Emily, Ashley, Victoria, Scott, McKenzie, Sarah, Caleb, and Camryn; one great-grandchild, Strider; and three nieces, four nephews, and their children. He also leaves behind a special family friend, Randy Zakrzewski (Kristy), who became like another son to him, as well as his loving caretaker, Judy.
The tribute above was prepared by Marvin's loving family.
A celebration of Marvin's life will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Callahan Methodist Church with Pastor Bodie Riddle officiating. The family received friends Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Callahan Methodist Church to help support the outreach ministries. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 U.S. 1, Callahan, FL 32011, 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.