Marion Church

Marion grew up in the mountains of North Carolina where his favorite activity was squirrel hunting with a slingshot or a rifle. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 at the age of 19. He was shipped to Detroit where he was trained to be a B-17 airplane mechanic. After his training, he was stationed in El Paso, Texas.

In 1945, Marion and Irene (Dean) Mode eloped to South Carolina to be married. Shortly after being discharged from the Army, he moved his family to Hampton for his new job at the Newport News Shipyard as a toolmaker in the main machine shop. He often said, “If you show it to me, I can figure out how to make it.” After 27 years in the shipyard, he retired and went to work for Philip Morris in Williamsburg as a master machinist where he invented a tool that cut twice as many cigarettes at twice the speed. He also worked part-time at Dare Instruments. At the age of 90, he worked at Pierces BBQ as a greeter.

Marion became a member of West Hampton Baptist Church in 1955 where he also served as a deacon. In 1998, Marion and Deane moved to Williamsburg where they became members of James River Baptist Church. Marion enjoyed the Senior Adult group dinners and activities he attended on the first Thursday of each month.

Marion enjoyed working in his yard up to the age of 95. He was always willing to help others and never met a stranger.

Marion was preceeded in death by his wife, Irene, of 73 years; his parents, John and Iner; three brothers, Clint, Joe, Raleigh; and two sisters, Hazel and Savannah. He is survived by his daughters, Brenda (David) Flowers, Wanda (Bill) Boyles, Pamela (John) Voss; eight grandchildren, Mark, Shannon, Elizabeth, Erin, Adam, Joshua, Sumer and Heather; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a private family graveside service at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Va 23666.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to James River Baptist Church, 4931 Centerville Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.