Walter Marlin

James Walter Marlin of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2016.

Mr. Marlin was born to Frank Sr. and Thelma Hedgepath Marlin in Nashville, Tennessee. He spent his young manhood in Sandy Hook, TN where he met lifelong friends Bobby Massey and Murray Hines. After graduating from Hay Long High School, Walter joined the army. He became an excellent jeep driver – when his commanding officer heard he was to be “shipped out” he refused to relinquish his driver and Private Marlin remained stateside.

Returning from the service he went to work in a bank but soon found his lifelong career as an operator for the L&N Railroad. He courted the love of his life, Joyce, who collected money at the local movie theatre. Every time he bought a ticket he gave her an extra nickel “for the Cadillac” he was going to buy her someday. As “low man” on the seniority list the railroad felt free to relocate him regularly. He and his new wife moved 13 times in 8 years – rarely staying in one town long enough to unpack before moving on to his next assignment.

His first daughter, Sandy, was born seven years later; his second daughter Donna was born and the family was finally able to stay in Ardmore, Alabama for several years. While in Ardmore, Walter was very active in the community with the Lions Club, Jaycees and – yet again – driving the truck for the volunteer fire department. Later he was a member of Lodge 610 Masons.

In the mid sixties, two exciting opportunities opened up. The L&N position opened up in Mt. Pleasant and his childhood home farm was for sale. He took advantage of both and lived the rest of his life surrounded by his buddies in Sandy Hook. He took up farming and raised tobacco as well as another daughter, Lynn.

After retiring from L&N, Walter farmed a little, traveled a little and truly enjoyed his retirement. Later in his life, he discovered golf and made many, many swings and even more importantly many new friends. After three daughters, he was blessed to have his one and only beloved grandson, TJ. He spent his most precious hours watching and teaching those children who were so lucky to experience his love.

Walter had a very special “knack” for finding things and was always happy to be the one who found what nobody else ever even saw. He could make anything, fix anything, and protect everything he was close to.

Walter is survived by his three daughters: Sandy (Gene) Foster of Summertown, Donna (Thomas) Jones of Mt. Pleasant and Lynn (Jason) Smith of Lawrenceburg; One grandson: T.J. Jones III of Mt. Pleasant, TN. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. Walter was preceded in death by both his parents and his wife. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Marlin Davis and his brother, Frank Marlin Jr.

James Walter Marlin’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, TN. They will celebrate his life with a memorial service beginning at 6:30 p.m. The interment will follow at a later date at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com .