Roland J. MARKS, Sr.

Roland James Marks, Sr. was born January 1, 1952 in Houston, Texas to his loving parents, Gilbert Marks, Sr., and Boretha Mae Hines-Marks. Roland accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor, W. A. Sims of Bethany Baptist Church (Houston, Texas). He later united with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (Houston, Texas) under the leadership of Pastor F. D. Sampson, Sr. After finishing Wheatley High School (Houston, Texas), Roland became interested in the industrial field, as Crane Operator, starting employment with Brown and Root LLC, Gulf Stream Marine Inc., and Big John Marine LTD.

In 1965, Roland met Mary Wright and in 1970, Roland and Mary married, to that union two sons were born, Roland James Marks II and Reginald Dewayne Marks. In Roland’s relationship with Angel Bynum, a beautiful daughter, Rolanda Marks was born. Roland later married Clara Fisher, together Roland and Clara helped raised Clara’s great niece, Ashley.

Roland loved spending time and sharing his life experiences with nephews, nieces, family, and friends, who will always remember him as “Uncle RJ or RJ”. Roland was a horseman, a motorcyclist, and auto-mechanic. Roland had passions for classic automobiles. Roland enjoyed cooking (specialties: gumbo and barbecue), family events, and road trips.

Roland had a special talent of connecting and supporting his friends and neighbors. All those that were touched by Roland will miss his fun-loving, carefree, kind, and gentle spirit.

Roland was preceded in death by his loving parents, Gilbert and Boretha Marks, Sr; brother, Gilbert Marks, Jr., and sister, Margoria Raye Marks-Elam.

Roland leaves to cherish his memories, two sons, Roland James Marks II (Angelya-Wife) and Reginald Dewayne Marks (Lenora-Wife); daughter, Rolanda Marks; sister, Shirley Marks-Duffie (Rosevelt-Husband; Brownwood, Texas); brother, Darrell Wayne Marks; uncle, Christful Marks (Sharon-Wife); aunt, Casey Hines (Franklin, Louisiana); 14 grandchildren; 4 great grandsons and one on the way. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and longtime friends.