In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his adopted son Michael.
Marley joined the US Air Force and served for over 20 years. He was stationed in Germany, Alaska, Turkey, Thailand and Vietnam while stateside he was stationed in Oklahoma, Montana, Rome, NY and Key West during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He had a 2nd tour of Duty to Berlin, Germany where he also started to play golf when time would allow it. On one of his games he had a hole in one. Coming back to the States he was stationed at Pope AFB until his retirement. Moving back to Wilmington he started working at GE in the Nuclear Division. After his retirement from GE he liked to play golf and played most of the courses from here to Myrtle Beach and enjoyed working in his yard.
He and his wife Helga loved to travel took several trips to Germany, the mountains, Williamsburg and Florida. He cared deeply for the ones in his life and was always concerned about their wellbeing. He was a member of Pine Valley Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife Helga of 63 years and sisters: Velma Short (Gary), Hope Barfield (Jimmy), Judy Hooker, Hattie Pridgen and their families.
The Funeral Service will be held at 1pm on Monday November 27, 2023 at Coble Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 1155 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, NC 28412.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Merritt family.
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