Gerald Marr Obituary

Gerald Neil Marr

August 26, 1932 -

August 27, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gerald Neil Marr (Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force, Retired) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025-just one day after celebrating his 93rd birthday.

Born in Blytheville, Arkansas on August 26, 1932, to the late Karl D. and Cecil Walker Marr, Gerald grew up in Marked Tree, Arkansas. A gifted musician, he played the sousaphone throughout high school and graduated from Marked Tree High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Arkansas, supporting himself through college while playing sousaphone in the marching band and tuba in the concert band.

In 1953, Gerald's lifelong love of the skies led him to join the United States Air Force, where he trained as a pilot. Over the years, he flew a wide range of aircraft-from jets to multi-engine planes-and enjoyed flights along the New England coast and throughout the eastern United States. After 14 years of active duty, he transitioned to the Air Force Reserves in 1967, ultimately completing 29 years of dedicated military service and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982.

Following his military career, Gerald worked for Nashville Electric Service as a Lighting and Heating Consultant, retiring after 29 years in 1997. During his Reserve years, he served as Liaison Officer to the Aerospace Workshops for Teachers in Tennessee, one of which brought him to East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. It was there that he met the love of his life, Deborah Daniels, who was teaching at the workshops. The two married in July 2008 and shared a deeply cherished marriage.

Gerald was a devoted member of Central Baptist Church in Johnson City, TN.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah, of the home; his step-son, whom he considered as his own, L. Blake Hampton and wife Cecie; granddaughters, Carolyn Louise and Schuyler Hampton; sister-in-law, Sherry Smith and husband Larry; cousins, Norma and Steve Watson; brother-in-law, Steve Hubbard and wife Sherry; nieces, Dale Marr, Jennifer Sefcik and husband Matt, Leslie Hancock and husband Tommy, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-nephews.

A service to celebrate Gerald's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Central Baptist Church in Johnson City, with Reverend Paul Farrior officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Section) with full military honors provided by Shaw Air Force Base.

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St. Johnson City, TN 37604 is honored to serve the Marr family.