Hugh R. “Jack” Marlin, Jr. left to be with his Lord and Savior August the 1st, at home surrounded by family. Born in Estill Springs to Hugh R. Marlin Sr. and Nancy Smith Marlin, he was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, TN. He graduated from Central High School in 1940 and married his high school sweetheart, Jeraldyn Tallent Marlin in 1942. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and lived to serve his fellow man.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and was stationed in California prior to being deployed to England and France where he became Staff Sergeant, serving as a stockade commander with over 750 prisoners including 25 German officers. He was later promoted to First Lieutenant and transferred to a stockade with 1300 prisoners. Remaining true to his love of his fellow man of all kinds, they salvaged debris from a nearby, bombed-out town to build a water tower and showers using hot water provided from an old potato steamer. He saw that every prisoner had a hot shower at least once a week, where previously they had gone 6 months or more without one. He left active duty in 1946; however he remained in the U.S. Army Reserves where he retired as a Major in 1965.
His service to his fellow man continued when he became a charter member of the Eastdale Lions Club, beginning a 57 year term of leadership in sight conservation, one of his primary passions. Still a member of the Dalewood/Lakeside Lions Club, he served in numerous state and regional positions including Zone Chairman, Regional Chairman, numerous state cabinets and District Governor. He was instrumental in chartering the East Tennessee Eye Bank where he served as president for 3 years and on the Board of Directors for over 12 years. He was also Charter President of the District 12 Eye Bank where he served on the board for over 20 years. He served on the board of the Tennessee Lions Charities, Inc., Charter President of the Tennessee Sight Service Association and was the recipient of numerous awards. He received 14 international Presidents’ certificates of appreciation, 3 international President’s medals for service, 1 international Presidents medal for leadership, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and his most prized award, the Ambassador of Goodwill, issued to him by the Lions International President. Most recently, he was inducted as a charter member into the Tennessee Lions Hall of Fame.
Through this, he somehow still found time to work. He began his career at Combustion Engineering in 1940 as a drafting trainee, and retired 42 years later as a highly respected Manager of Design Graphics. While working on his coveted wood carvings, he became a member of the Chattanooga, Southeastern and National Woodcarvers Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Billy B. Marlin.
He is survived by Jerry, his wife of 69 years; sons, Bob (Marie) Marlin of Red Bank, TN, Jim Marlin of Marietta, GA, and daughter, Kathy (Frank) Lewis of Harrison; brother, Allan S. Marlin; his grandchildren: Vickie Marlin, Lawrenceville, GA; Angie Marlin, Red Bank, TN; Vance (Michelle) Marlin, Chattanooga, TN; Jamie (Randy) Ellison, Harrison, TN; Jenni (Michael) Jackson, Ooltewah, TN; Frank (Chelsa) Lewis, Jr., Chattanooga, TN; Quinn Lewis, Chattanooga, TN; Tyler Marlin, Marietta, GA; and Tiffany Jennette, Rome, GA; 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM and Friday from 10 AM to 11 AM. Funeral service will be held Friday at 11 AM the North Chapel with Rev. Richard Richter officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Tennessee Lions Charities, designated to the Kids Sight Vision Screening Program, 505 Fesslers Ln, Nashville, TN. 37210.
Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel, Hixson, TN.
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