James Ray "JR" Marley

James Ray “JR” Marley, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on November 30, 2023 after suffering from the complications of dementia.

Mr. Marley was born in Wilmington NC on October 15, 1935 to Robert Kemp Marley and Blannie Mabel Wheeler Marley. “J.R.” or “Ray” as he was often called, came from a very large family and had 12 siblings. He had three children of his own and two granddaughters, and two great grandsons, all of which he loved very much.

Throughout his life Mr. Marley served in the National Guard from November of 1954 to June of 1959.  He then worked as a prison guard and decided quickly on that this particular profession wasn’t for him. He tried several other things but eventually found his stride as a long haul CDL Driver. While he worked for several different trucking companies throughout his career, he retired from Anchor Motor Freight-Leaseway. Mr. Marley loved being a truck driver and was known over CB radio as “Mr. Kool with a K”.  He was also a member of the Teamsters; Local 391.

JR enjoyed cooking, dancing (especially shag), fishing, and watching golf on TV on Sunday afternoons. However, his real passion was traveling. During his life time he visited nearly every state in the continental United States. He toured the country for almost a decade before settling down In Advance, NC. As the years continued, JR’s health declined and as his disease progressed it became apparent that outside assistance was needed to handle his day to day care. The Family then hired Kerry Dunn, an in-home care provider and what a God send that she turned out to be for JR and the family! For two years Ms. Dunn was with JR daily and loved him and assisted him as he reached his final chapter.  He was proceeded in death by his parents Robert Kemp Marley & Blannie Mabel Wheeler Marley, five brothers; Reverend Robert Paul Marley (Cecil), George Daniel Marley, Isaac Carroll Marley (Faye), Ivey Kemp Marley, Johnny “JT” Thomas Marley. Three sisters; Hazel Virginia Mills, Ruby Marley Barnhill, Eunice Mae Small and twin siblings of Wilmington, NC.

He is survived by two children from his first marriage to Barbara Lee Batton: a son, Ronald Ray Marley of Advance, NC (Formerly of Decatur GA) and Daughter; Sharon Marley Hege (Husband Henry) of Lexington NC. He is also survived by one child from his second marriage to Betty Lora Cummings a Daughter, Suzette Marley Davis of Winston-Salem, NC. Two Grandchildren; Stefanie Grubbs Canady (Husband Richard “Craig” Canady, II) and Brooke Renee Davis of Lynhurst, Ohio. Two Great-Grandchildren; Richard Craig Canady III “Trace” and Deacon Marley Canady, both of Lexington, NC. One brother, Clyde Lee Marley of Mechanicsville, VA., Sister in Law Patti Lynn Marley of Castle Hayne, NC, and a Brother in Law Jeff Small. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

JR was a man who loved life, his family and his retirement. He found love and lost love multiple times in his life but the last woman to have his heart prior to his passing was Judy Gamble; a longtime family friend and a permanent fixture to our family. JR was surrounded by a loving family up until the last moments of his life. It is to be believed that a life well lived will end in peace and for JR Marley, nothing could be more true. 

The family would like to express a heartfelt appreciation to the people of Hospice. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292.

The family will receive visitors starting at 12:00pm on Thursday, December 7 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel, 108 East Kinderton Way, Advance, 27006. A Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation and begin at 1:00pm.  Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Forest Hill Memorial Park, 1307 West Old Hwy. 64, Lexington, NC 27295 for the final resting place for James “JR” Marley.