The Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Department during Tuesday’s city council meeting recognized Marvin Wheeler for obtaining his Level III certifications across four trades.

Planning and Development Director Kristyn Anderson said Wheeler’s career reflects not only skill and experience, “but true dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to growth.”

Wheeler achieved Level III certifications in building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades — a milestone Anderson said represents one of the highest levels of professional accomplishment in the inspections field.

“Marvin’s journey did not begin yesterday. It began decades ago, rooted in a strong foundation shaped by family, hard work, and a curiosity for how things operate,” Anderson said.

From 1980 to 1984, he learned firsthand from his father, who worked as an electrician, plumber, and HVAC professional and later served as a building inspector. “That early exposure sparked something in Marvin: a desire to understand systems, to problem-solve, and to master the trades.”

He carried that work ethic into his early career, serving as a machine operator with NCDOT and working as a line mechanic at Georgia-Pacific in Conway, where he earned his electrical license in 1986. “In 1988, Marvin began what would become a remarkable 30-year career at Halifax Regional Hospital. Starting as an electrician, he worked his way up to assistant director of plant operations, retiring in 2018."

That alone would be enough to define a successful career, Anderson said, but Wheeler was not finished.

In December 2018, he brought his experience to Halifax County Inspections, where he earned Level I certifications across all four trades and continued serving the community until September 2022. “And yet, even with decades of experience, even with a demanding workload, even after retirement from one career, Marvin set his sights higher.”

Anderson said achieving Level III certifications is no small task. It requires countless hours of study, extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines, and the determination to push through rigorous exams. “This is where Marvin’s character truly stands out. Despite the demands of his job, he made the decision to invest in himself. He studied. He attended classes. He prepared. And he persevered. That kind of drive doesn’t come from obligation — it comes from within.”

One of his biggest motivators was his father, who told him he believed he could do it. “That belief clearly took root. Throughout his career, Marvin has also been guided by supervisors who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue this path. But encouragement alone does not earn certifications of this caliber — tenacity does.”

Wheeler’s story is one of persistence, the planning director said. “It is about showing up, putting in the work, and refusing to settle. It is about continuing to learn, even when it would be easier not to. And it is about setting an example for others — both in this department and across the community.”

She told Wheeler, “Your achievement reflects the very best of this profession. Your dedication strengthens this department, enhances the service we provide, and sets a standard for others to follow.”