Samuel L Ervin

December 18, 1949 – November 15, 2025 Samuel Louis Ervin, age 75, peacefully transitioned on November 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, after a lengthy illness. Born on December 18, 1949, in Gastonia, North Carolina, Samuel grew into a man whose life was deeply rooted in family, faith, and a lifelong love of music. Samuel was the beloved son of Otis and Maggie McKnight. He was raised in a warm and supportive community and graduated from Lincoln High School in Bessemer City before furthering his education at the Carolina School of Broadcasting. With a natural voice, magnetic personality, and a passion for connecting with people, Samuel built a distinguished career as a broadcaster and acclaimed DJ. His love of music eventually led him to Nashville, Tennessee, where he continued to share his talent, skill, and infectious joy with audiences for many years. Samuel shared a beautiful life with his late wife, Felicia Blackman-Ervin. Together, they celebrated music in all its forms and found joy in the culture and creativity that surrounded them. He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Samuel LeMorris Ervin, and daughter-in-law Yolanda Ervin; step-son Sean Ford, his son’s mother, Joyce Knox-Ervin; step-daughters Tiffany Ansley and Teri Miller his sister, Margaret E. Neely, and her husband James H. Neely, Sr.; his nephew James H. Neely, Jr. and niece Carmen Neely; along with a host of extended family members and dear friends whose lives he touched with kindness, humor, and generosity. Samuel was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Maggie McKnight, and by his devoted wife, Felicia Blackmon-Ervin. Samuel will be remembered for his warm spirit, his devotion to family, and his gift for bringing people together through music. His legacy of love, laughter, and melody will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace