George Richard “Dickie” Marlow, of Southport, died peacefully on March 15, 2015, at his residence. He was 75.
Mr. Marlow was born Nov. 28, 1939, in Southport, son of the late Clifton Edward and Marion Norment Marlow. He was raised during a time when the streets in Southport were still dirt paths and everyone knew their neighbor. Dickie, as he was affectionately known, grew up playing in the Swamp Garden near his family home on Atlantic Avenue.
Mr. Marlow was preceded in death by his parents and two very dear sisters, Patricia (Pat) Ellen Marlow and Mary Lois Marlow Beheler. Also, his loving longtime friend, “CHAMP.”
In 1960, Dickie joined the Southport Fire Department and spent the next 55 years as a very active, dedicated and faithful member. The Southport Fire Department became his lifelong passion and desire, Dickie never married in life and it was said he was married to the Fire Department and the members were his “extended family.”
In 1989, he was promoted to the rank of captain and served in that capacity until his death. For a period of over 20-plus years, Dickie responded to every call for help that was given to the department with a perfect attendance record.
Capt. Marlow was very instrumental in fighting many historic fires within his tenure of the Southport Fire Department. He served in many capacities within the department. In 1986, the City of Southport purchased a 55-foot E-One Emergency Tele-squirt Ladder Truck. Capt. Marlow was the main operator of this unit, being at the helm always strategically setting the apparatus up to fight the fire.
In 1992, Capt. Marlow greatly assisted with the restoration of the first fire engine to service Brunswick County, the 1922 Model-T, that was his pride and joy. Capt. Marlow was honored on Thursday, March 12, 2015, by the Southport Board of Aldermen for 55 years of service to the Southport Fire Department and a motion was made to honor his service with dedicating Ladder 362 in his name.
Dickie also dedicated over 15 years of his life being employed full time as a mechanic with the City of Southport. After his retirement, he enjoyed riding the streets of his hometown with his faithful canine friend, “MARTY.” Dickie loved the waterfront in Southport and spent many days in the swings near the Cedar Bench. Also, he was a member of the Beach Road Baptist Church.
Leaving to cherish his memory and legacy are the following surviving family members, nephews, Davis E. (Micheala) Brown, retired Assistant Chief Lawrence A. (Beverly) Brown, James R. (Jada) Atkinson and Curtis Edward Beheler; nieces; Jennifer L. (Micheal) Bethune, Leslie A. Brown and fiancé Micheal and Lorie J. (Gerald) Hooks; nine great-nephews and nieces; 13 great-great-nephews and nieces; first cousins, James Marlow and Catherine Marlow O’Quinn; and officers and members of the Southport Fire Department.
Funeral services to honor Capt. Marlow with full firefighter rites will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at the Southport Fire Headquarters with visitation one hour prior. Capt. Marlow will lie in state at the department that he so faithfully served. Services will be officiated by Pastor Charles A. Drew, Fire Chief of the Southport Fire Department, Fire Department chaplains and the Honor Guard. An inurnment graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Northwood Cemetery on Fodale Avenue in Southport.
Active pallbearers will be the officers of the Southport Fire Department, Assistant Chief Todd Coring, Capt. Ralph Treadway, Capt. Chris Thomas, Lt. Virgil Sasser, Lt. Jonathan Bullard and Lt. Charles T. Drew. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Southport Fire Department.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all the friends, neighbors and community for their prayers and concern for Dickie over his short sickness. A special thanks to the officers and members of the Southport Fire Department and the Lower Cape Fear Hospice for all your special care and compassion.
Donations in the memory of Capt. Marlow can be made to the Southport Fire Department, P.O. Box 10608 Southport, NC 28461.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.
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