Bruce “Buzz” Waite Marple, age 71, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, passed away Friday, August 8, 2025, at Regional ONE Health in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, a son of the late William Harold Marple and Geraldine Louise Shrigley Marple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Karen Marple, his wife of 26 years, and Duke, his beloved dog.
Buzz was a veteran of the United States Navy. During his 14 years of service he received the following decorations and citations; National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal (3 Awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (3 Awards), Third Good Conduct Medal for Period Ending 23FEB84, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the .38 Cal Marksman Ribbon. He retired from Federal Aviation Administration, Jacksonville ARTCC, Hilliard, Florida as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist. He was an avid biker for over 50 years and was a former Harley Owners Group president, a motorcycle safety instructor, and was an active member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA). He enjoyed many rides with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, brother, uncle, stepdad, Papaw, and a loyal friend to his fellow bikers and Navy shipmates.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Patricia Ann Marple; his brother, Gary Marple (Barbara); his sister, Sue (Marple) Young; his stepdaughters, Toni Ragan (Ron) and Shannon Powell; his grandchildren, Ronni Ragan, Morgan Powell, and Shane Powell; his nephews, David Miracle, Brian Young, Craig Young and Jon Marple; his niece, Christina Furbee; one brother-in-law, James Gentry; and his beloved fur babies.
All services will be held privately.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the Elsmore (Missouri) Fire Department, Life Flight, the doctors and nurses at Regional ONE Hospital Trauma ICU, Scott at the accident scene, and his CVMA brothers and sisters for all the love and care that was shown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Bruce “Buzz” Waite Marple and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
