Marvin Maurice Trotman, Sr.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Dr. Marvin Maurice Trotman, Sr.

“Marvelous Marv” • “Rags”

A Legendary Athlete, Coach, Mentor, Educator, Entrepreneur, Public Servant, & Family Patriarch

August 20, 1938 -  July 8, 2026

With profound love, gratitude, and reverence, we celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Dr. Marvin Maurice Trotman, Sr., affectionately known to many as “Marvelous Marv” and “Rags.”

Dr. Trotman did not simply play basketball at the highest level. He lived life at the highest level. His remarkable journey was defined by excellence, faith, humility, service, leadership, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others through athletics, education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and public service.

 Born on August 20, 1938, in Princeton, New Jersey, Marvin was the beloved son of the late William Trotman and Genevieve Trotman Mack. From an early age, he demonstrated an extraordinary gift for basketball, a strong sense of purpose, and a genuine desire to help others. These qualities would shape the course of his life and influence generations of people.

 Marvin attended Princeton High School, where his exceptional athletic ability quickly distinguished him as one of the finest basketball players of his time. He earned All State honors, and sportswriters proudly bestowed upon him the nickname “Marvelous Marv.” His talent, confidence, discipline, and command of the game made him a standout athlete and a source of pride within his hometown.

After graduating from Princeton High School, Marvin continued his education and basketball career at Elizabeth City State University, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in the university’s storied history. As a freshman, he scored an incredible 63 points in a single CIAA Tournament game before the three point line existed. His collegiate career earned him All CIAA Tournament honors, All CIAA recognition, First Team NAIA All American honors, induction into the Elizabeth City State University Sports Hall of Fame, recognition on the All Time CIAA Tournament Team, induction into the CIAA Hall of Fame, and numerous additional honors recognizing his lasting impact on the game.

His extraordinary talent led him to the National Basketball Association, where he proudly played with the St. Louis Hawks. Following his playing career, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army, serving honorably for two years before dedicating his life to serving others.

 After his military service, he began his professional career as a social worker before devoting more than four decades to education as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, athletic director, mentor, and coach. He later returned to Princeton High School, where he served as Head Basketball Coach, Guidance Counselor, Acting Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, and Interim Principal, inspiring generations of young people. He also coached at Trenton State College, Virginia Wesleyan College, and First Colonial High School.

A lifelong educator and scholar, Dr. Trotman earned his Doctor of Education degree from Pacific Western University and held certifications in Elementary Education, Physical Education, Student Personnel Services, and Principalship. Whether in the classroom, counseling students, or coaching from the sidelines, he inspired others to believe in themselves and pursue excellence.

Dr. Trotman’s love and commitment to Elizabeth City State University extended far beyond his years as a student athlete. Believing deeply in the power of education and the importance of giving back, he founded the R. L. Vaughan Scholarship Fund. Through his vision and leadership, he brought together fellow Elizabeth City State University basketball alumni who committed to making annual contributions, creating a lasting scholarship that continues to provide educational opportunities for future generations of Elizabeth City State University students. More than a scholarship, it became a reflection of his servant’s heart and his belief that those who have been blessed have a responsibility to invest in others. His vision continues to open doors for future Elizabeth City State University students and stands as one of the enduring legacies of his remarkable life.

Dr. Trotman proudly served as a Princeton City Councilman, courageously challenged racial discrimination through a landmark civil rights complaint against Springdale Golf Club, and fulfilled his entrepreneurial dreams through Marv’s Lounge, a sporting goods store, and later Fat Tuesday’s Bar and Lounge in Virginia Beach.

In 2025, he was recognized as “The Greatest Witherspoon Jackson Basketball Player of All Time.”

Above every title, he cherished being husband to Martha Trotman, father to Obadiah Ben David (Marvin M. Trotman Jr.) and wife Tamira, Sheryl Trotman, LaKeisha Watts and husband Derwin, Michelle Jackson, and Nova Keziah Reign (Jessica Jackson), and Pop Pop to Marvin M. Trotman III, Quevon K. Jackson, Briana D. Jackson, Joscelyne R. Meyers, Christian Jackson Durham, and Christopher M. Watts. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Trotman, along with a host of nieces, nephews, former players, students, colleagues, extended family, and friends.

 His life demonstrated that true greatness is measured not by how high a person rises, but by how many people they lift along the way.

Dr. Marvin “Marvelous Marv” Trotman, Sr.’s extraordinary life was defined by excellence, service, leadership, faith, compassion, courage, and love. His influence will continue to inspire generations.

His impact will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live through every life he touched, every student he mentored, every athlete he inspired, every family member he loved, and every future scholar whose dreams will be made possible through the R. L. Vaughan Scholarship Fund.

“Well done, good and faithful servant”

         Matthew 25:23