William G. Marquis

Bill Marquis was born May 6, 1934 to Gerald Marquis and Betty Shulenberger Marquis in Issaquah, Washington. He spent most of his childhood in Issaquah, enjoying a cherry tree that grew right outside his bedroom window for easy picking, before his family later moved to National City, California.

Bill joined the Army and spent two years stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he developed an appreciation for the outdoors and a strong dislike of extreme winters. After his time in the Army, Bill returned to National City and began a career as an entrepreneur. He owned car washes, Photomat stores, Bill’s drive-in, Bill’s Burgers, and created and franchised a local chain of Char-Burgers in San Diego, CA.

In 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Anne Blount. They enjoyed domestic and international travel throughout their marriage.

After Bill sold his Char-Burger franchise, he bought Grossmont Gardens. Under Bill’s leadership, Grossmont Gardens became one of the largest and best run retirement facilities in San Diego, CA.

In 1992, Bill and Mary Anne sold their home in San Diego, CA and moved to Lakeway, TX. Shortly thereafter Bill sold Grossmont Gardens and purchased commercial property in Bryan, TX.

In retirement, Bill’s life in Lakeway was filled with years of laughter with family, friends, deck parties, dinner parties, and community involvement.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Anne Marquis; daughter Melora Reese and her husband Roger of College Station, TX; granddaughters Lynnsey Lewis of New York City, NY and Cassie Lewis of Colorado Springs, CO; their father, ex son-in-law, Jim Lewis of College Station, TX; sister Joy Day of Cincinnati, OH; brother-in-law Larry Byrn and his wife Brenda of Imperial Beach, CA; brother-in-law Bruce and his wife Sony of Chula Vista, CA; sister-in-law Donalda Tucker and her husband John of San Luis Obispo, CA; longtime friends Victor Mosso and Rhaylene Montgomery of La Mesa, CA; as well as nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill’s memory to Tunnels to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, or The Lakeway Church at www.lakewaychurch.org.

A service for William G. Marquis will be held on July 29 at 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden/ Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX. A reception will follow the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the Marquis family.