Wadesboro, NC – Melvin Paul Segal, born June 7, 1946, in Wadesboro, North Carolina and lived a full, vibrant, and memorable life, passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2026, as he wished.
Mel was one of five siblings born to Albert G. Segal of Salisbury, Maryland and Dorothy Levine Segal of Rockingham, of blessed memory. He grew up in Charlotte, where he built a life rooted in family, friendships, and the things he loved most.
He is survived by the love of his life, Tammy L. Marshall, and her son, Derek C. Keegan and his partner, Hayley A. Brucato. He is also survived by his siblings: Roslyn Segal of Fort Myers; Stuart Segal of Charlotte; Howard Segal (Sue) of Moorpark; and Jerry Segal (Linda) of Morganton.
Mel leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins from the Segal and Levine families. Among them, his nephew David shared a particularly special bond with him—one rooted in unwavering love and devotion.
Mel graduated from Myers Park High School and attended Riverside Preparatory Academy. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War and fondly remembered his time at the officers’ club.
He later worked alongside his father in the family business, Pic ’N Pay Shoes, contributing to its real estate operations. After retiring at 35, Mel dedicated his time to managing his investments and pursuing the passions that brought him joy.
One of Mel’s greatest passions was harness horse racing, a love passed down from his father. Over the years, he owned many horses, but the pinnacle of this journey came in 2021 when his extraordinary filly, Test of Faith, was named American Harness Horse of the Year, 3-Year-Old Horse of the Year, and Filly of the Year. She was truly one in a million and brought him immense pride and happiness.
It was through this passion, and an introduction by his sister, that he met Tammy at a racetrack in New Jersey while Earth Wind Fire, another of Mel’s champion fillies, was racing.
In his later years, Mel found in Tammy a deep and meaningful connection. Their time together, though too short, was filled with love and companionship. She was the twinkle in his eye—his partner, his friend, and ultimately, his devoted caregiver.
Mel delighted in life’s pleasures—his love of fast cars, often seen behind the wheel of a new Mercedes-Benz or Ferrari; with a vanilla DQ cone in hand. His life included the unmistakable sound of a winning slot machine; and the simple satisfaction of good Carolina barbecue shared with those he loved. He also loved the beach, long walks with Tammy, and chatting together over the latest news and family happenings—moments that brought him true contentment. He was proud to be “of the givers” and would want everyone he knew to follow in his footsteps.
He was philanthropic toward causes close to his heart, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, Temple Israel, and other charitable organizations.
Melvin’s funeral was held on April 14, 2026, at the Hebrew Cemetery in Charlotte, where he is laid to rest near his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, or Via Health Partners (Hospice).