Don Clay Marcum Sr.

Mr. Marcum, 94, of Charlotte, NC, departed this life on September 15, 2012 at Presbyterian Hospital. He was born on August 5, 1918 in Middlesboro, KY, a son of the late William Houston and Della Dobbins Marcum; and beloved husband to his late wife, June Saylor Marcum .

Don was a star player and captain of the Middlesboro High School football team. He married his high school sweetheart, June Saylor Marcum, in 1936 and provided a loving home in many cities throughout the southeast during his long career in construction. Early in his adult life he helped to install the electrical turbines that supplied the power for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and then helped to construct K-25, a uranium enrichment facility of the Manhattan Project for the atomic bomb. Don was a veteran of WWII and served in the 2828th Combat Engineer Battalion. He helped to rebuild bridges and roads in the post war reconstructions of Berlin. He continued to work in construction after serving his country, and retired after 32 years of service with C D Spangler Construction Co.

June and Don made their home in Charlotte, NC for over 50 years. After retiring, he redirected his talents, and transformed his backyard into a beautiful garden with winding trails through hundreds of different types of trees and plants. It was most highly viewed at the peak of spring time when the azaleas, dogwoods and cherry trees were at full bloom.

Don is survived by his son, Don C. Marcum Jr.; grandson, Don Clay Marcum III, his wife Melissa; two great-granddaughters, Ashley and Katelyn; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all of the neighbors that treated June and Don like family over the years. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and his many friends.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 pm on Thursday evening, September 20, 2012 at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road. A service by the graveside with Military Honors will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 21st at Sharon Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care, 324 N. McDowell Street, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233-3549.