Marvin Quinley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 97. A visitation will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA, on September 24, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm; a funeral service for Marvin will follow at 2:00 PM. Burial with Military Honors will be in Parkhill Cemetery.
Marvin was born on January 29, 1929, and was raised in Red Level, Alabama. He proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He was deployed to Germany and served his country for nearly two years before returning home.
Following his military service, Marvin moved to Columbus, Georgia, where he began his career with Columbus Carpet Mills Manufacturing Company. He later worked for Fieldcrest Mills Inc., where he dedicated many years of service before retiring.
Marvin enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, camping, playing cards, and traveling. But those who knew him will remember him most for the way he lived his life and the way he treated others. He was always kind, always smiling, always laughing, and always caring. His warm personality and genuine love for his family made him a special part of the lives of so many people. He had a way of making people feel welcome and loved, and the memories he created with his family will be cherished for generations to come.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Preston “Dick” Quinley and Nora Lee Matthews Quinley; his five brothers, Cecil Quinley, Pete Quinley, Tom Quinley, Jake Quinley, and Roy Edward Quinley; his two sisters, Fannie Lee Watley and Ruby Lynn Stokes; his first wife, Geraldine Morris Quinley; his daughters, Jeannie Gladney and Joyce Keldie; and his great-grandson, Jack Crabtree.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Judy Pate; his stepdaughters, Terri Tiutasi and Tracy Doughty (Pamela); his grandchildren, Kristie Gunn (Steve), Tony Gladney, Ronnie Gladney (Amy), Michael Westbrook, Stephanie Matos (Paul), Dianna Lucas (Robert); 15 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who called him Uncle Pony.
Marvin’s life was a testament to the importance of family, kindness, laughter, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and through the generations of family who were blessed to call him theirs.
He will be loved, remembered, and missed always.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Columbus Hospice on Marvin’s behalf.
