Marvin Samuel Thames, Jr.

Marvin was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served honorably and where he reported that Korea surely must be the coldest place on planet earth. He was a fiercely independent man with a sharp wit and keen sense of humor until his passing. He was preceded in death last year by his wife Jane, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage, and together they made quite a pair, loved and enjoyed by all, and both will be sorely missed.

After returning from Korea, Marvin and Jane spent time together and with friends and soon began building a family. Marvin and Jane particularly loved spending time and traveling, first with their young kids and later with their grandchildren, making for a larger, sometimes unruly, group. They made such trips to Europe, National Parks, Alaska, historical sites and countless beaches. Marvin and Jane were devoted to each other and loved spending time with their children and their families, all of whom enjoyed having them around.

Marvin is survived by his daughter, Traci Brown of Atlanta and her husband Jeff; his son Todd, of Hartwell, Georgia and his wife Lowry; grandchildren Eric Brown of Denver, CO, Melissa Brown of Atlanta, Elizabeth Thames Harrison of Virginia Beach and her husband Cory, and Christopher Thames, of Atlanta. He is also survived by his most recent family member, great granddaughter Charlotte Jane Harrison, daughter of Elizabeth and Cory.

The family hopes that Marvin will be remembered for the love he shared with Jane, the love he showed his family and the way he lived his life on his own terms, rather than just the sadness of his passing.

A private ceremony will be held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs on Sunday August 9th at 2:00 p.m. Flowers and memorial gifts are welcome but not necessary.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Marvin’s name are encouraged to do so to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the USO.