MARION, VIRGINIA: MARSHALL EUGENE GUY, age 88, died Saturday in Marion following a long illness. He was a former Mayor of Marion, former Chairman of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors, and former State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Ruby Osborne Guy, his parents, John Seldon and Virgie Smith Guy, brothers David, Ivan and Wayne Guy, and a sister, Bonnie Dolinger.
He is survived by his daughter, Shirley G. Spencer, and son, Mike and Margaret Guy; grandchildren Marcy and David Rosenbaum, Cole and Amanda Spencer, Jay and Lynne Guy, and Jeff and Ashley Guy; great-grandchildren, Matthew Rosenbaum, Allison Rosenbaum, Peyton Spencer, Garrett Spencer, Jax Guy, Zachary Guy, step-great-grandchild, Payton Rose; sister Mildred Kane; sisters-in-law, Mary Jean Guy and Ethel Earls; and several nieces and nephews.
A 1943 graduate of Marion High School, he served in the U. S. Marines in the South Pacific during World War II. He worked as a printer for the Smyth County News prior to forming, with his brother, Ivan, Guy Brothers Printing from 1966 to 1982. He was a sports enthusiast, having been a high school athlete, Little League coach, long-time announcer for Marion High School sports and the Marion Mets, and fundraising chairman for the Marion stadium lighting system.
He was elected to two terms to the Smyth County Board of Supervisors (1969 - 1977), including a term as chairman (1975), served on the Marion Town Council (1980 - 1992) and as Mayor (1992 - 2000). A community booster and leader, he displayed "MAR1ON" personalized license plates. A bridge over the railroad on North Church Street in Marion is named in his honor.
He held a number of posts in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, including Virginia State Commander in 1992. He also was active in community service groups including Kiwanis and Civitan, and was an active member of First United Methodist Church for more than 80 years.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of Southwest Virginia and caregivers including Mary and Paul Ball, Mary Ann Blevins, Rhonda Perkins, Kenny and Becky Guy.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend Jonathan Jonas officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery where Military Rites will be conducted by Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 115 S. Church Street, Marion, VA 24354.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Guy Family.