Olin Wilkinson Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Olin Crandall Wilkinson, age 50, who peacefully departed this life at his home in Winterville, North Carolina, on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Wilkerson Funeral Home.
Olin was born, September 4, 1974 in Freehold, NJ. He proudly served four years as a Marine and eight years in the North Carolina National Guard. He was deployed in 1999 Operation Joint Guardian with MEU 26 to Kosovo, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2009.
In addition to his military career, he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in English, along with two Masters Degrees in History, and Administration from East Carolina University. He also managed to find time to serve as the coach of the women's rugby club at East Carolina University. Olin was also driven to serve his community as a high school English teacher, having recently completed his 16 years of teaching in Martin County Schools.
He found joy in spending time with loved ones, riding motorcycles, immersing himself in nature, reading, and listening to music. Olin will be remembered as a humble, kind-hearted, and generous individual, always willing to give the shirt off his back. He was a fierce warrior with a gentle soul. He touched the lives of many with his unwavering dedication and compassion, leaving a legacy of love and service. His family, friends, and all who knew him will cherish the memories of his infectious laughter and his unwavering support. As we gather to celebrate Olin's life, let us carry forward his spirit of kindness and bravery, honoring him by embracing the values he held dear. He will forever be missed, but his memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"Lo, there do I see my father, Lo, there do I see my mother, and my sisters and my brothers. Lo, there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning! Lo, they do call to me they bid me take my place among them, in the halls of Valhalla. Where the brave may live forever!" (from the Valhalla Prayer).
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Albert Loew; uncles, William Simmons, Leslie Mitchell, and Sidney Price; and his beloved canine companion, Sampley.
Olin is survived by his mother, Therese Loew; nephews, Tyler Marlowe and wife, Heather; and Kyle Marlowe and girlfriend, Angie Castro; beloved "adoptive" grandparents, Don and Renate Marlowe; brother-in-law, Frank Marlowe; god-daughter, Emma Grey Gearner-Pigg; and special companion, Gina Woolard.
Olin held a profound affection for both animals and fellow veterans in need. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Olin's honor to Military Missions in Action (https://www.militarymissionsinaction.org) or Pitt County Animal Shelter (https://www.pittcountync.gov/153/Animal-Services).
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