HAMPSTEAD — Marvin Dale Garvey, 65, of Hampstead, North Carolina, died Monday, January 20, 2025.
He was born August 12, 1959, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the son of the late Thurman “Pete” Garvey, Senior, and Lillie Mae Styron Garvey. Also remembered are his eldest brother, Thurman Garvey, Junior, and nephew James Garvey.
Surviving are his beloved wife-of-33-years, Sonya; son Nathan; son Jamie and his wife Santana and their son Jameson Fulp; elder brother Kenneth and his wife Rebecca; sister Julia Hinnet and her husband Carlton; and his nieces and nephews.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he graduated from James Kenan High School in 1978. Compelled to a life of service, he chose to enlist in the Coast Guard. When he went to meet the recruiters, they were out to lunch. But, the Army National Guard recruiter was not. Decades of decorated military service followed. He did two combat tours. One was Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004, during which he and his unit received the honor of attachment to the 1st Infantry Division or “Big Red One” — the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army. The other was Enduring Freedom in 2009-2010. He also protected the U.S. Border for two years during Operation Jump Start in the Yuma Sector. In addition, he responded to numerous disaster preparation and relief assignments, including Hurricane Katrina.
Following his Army days, Marvin spent more than a decade as a professional driver for Epes Transport System, LLC. He enjoyed driving his Freightliner Cascadia, and he often trained recruits. With his truck and its military design, he proudly participated in Wreaths Across America, receiving several recognitions for his contributions.
Marvin lived to be out and about and among people. He enjoyed fishing and traveling. He loved taking his family in their RV to visit friends and family. He also greatly enjoyed riding his motorcycle, taking his wife on many excursions.
