A Tribute to a Life Well Lived

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George Edward Marcu, who departed from this world on October 3.2026.  Born on March 19, 1938, at the Brooklyn New York maternity hospital, to his parents, Hattie Elizabeth (Betty) Proctor Marcu and Pincus Paul Marcu of Brooklyn, New York.  He and Barbara have been married for 66 years George touched the lives of many with his kindness and quiet spirit.

During his childhood, George’s parents relocated to East Tennessee from New York, where he developed an interest in the Tennessee River and fishing. He graduated from Marion Co. High School and began studying at University of Tennessee school of Engineering in Knoxville, Tennessee.  During this time, he met and married Barbara Lee from Madisonville, Tennessee. They have two children, Debra Ann Marcu Green and David Edward Marcu. After graduation from UT School of Engineering, he began his career working for the United States Air Force Department of Defense at Norton Air Force, in San Bernadino, California from January 63 to Sept 1965, where he worked on the Atlas ICBM; with trips to get the missile systems “green” (whatever that means).   Then on Sept 65 he was transferred to McClellan AFB, Sacramento, California, which meant a move to Citrus Heights, California for the family.  He was sent to Johnston Island (800 miles from Hawaii, man-made island) for three months to further his what he called “special project”, then turned this system over to the 9^th Aerospace Defense Division.  ENT AFB in Colorado Springs was his next work with the ADD where he had trips to Shemya and Clear Alaska and Tule Greenland.  Then on to Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Ga., where he worked on the sidewinder Air to Air missile systems that were not doing a very good job. He was involved with major modification to guidance section and participated in test program at White Sands with a hands-on approach. He checked out guidance and control sections, helped with the missile buildup operations, helped with loading the missiles on the launch aircraft, and watched the aircraft take off, then raced up range to the ground telemetry site to oversee the flight operation. TDY (means trip to yonder), to Luxemburg in Europe to meet with representatives from the NATO countries to discuss modification to the sidewinder missile.  Lastly, he was reassigned to the Competition Advocacy Directorate for 10 years as supervisor of a closed-door secret project until his retirement in 2000.

He enjoyed his work experience and felt a great deal of achievement. He said someone forgot to put windows in the building, of course with the nature of the work they couldn’t have any.

At the officer’s club as he retired, he told his office, friends, and family, he thought about fishing, golfing, traveling, and yard work, but nothing was more important as his work for the Lord.  He felt he needed to be more attentive to how God wants him to spend his time. At the heart of George’s life was his love for His Lord Jesus, family and community.

As a father, George spent many hours with his son and daughter after work and weekends coaching football and softball teams and was always there for their swimming meets.  He and Barbara were members of Green Acres Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, teacher, and senior committee member.  He was very active in helping the widows of the church.  He spent time on the lake fishing with the bass club.   His involvement in the local Civitan club, volunteering, demonstrated not only his commitment to others but also his belief in the power of the community.

The move to Alabama came in August 2004, where he and Barbara became neighbors of their son and family.  They joined Woodmont Baptist Church where he again served as a deacon.  He recently asked our son

“Do you know the best thing I ever did?”   “No dad.”  His answer – “Asked Jesus in my heart.”

He loved His Lord and gave his time to serve Him. His faith and trust were strong.

Barbara would say that he would pray about something, trust the Lord and go to bed.

He is the proud grandfather of 5, (Kasey-Nicole Jeanette Hallman; Heather Keslee Venciulla (Stephen); Will-Colby Marcu Green; Paul Hunter Marcu; and Olivia Ashley Marcu and great grandfather of 3 (Noah Lee Hallman; Abel Bradley Hallman; and Anna Lee Hallman).   His love for his family was deep and caring.  He will be missed and always remembered by each of them.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Hattie Elizabeth Proctor and his father Pincus Paul Marcu; father and mother-in law, Paul and Betty Marcu.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 6^th, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at Woodmont Baptist Church in Florence, The service will follow at 1:00 pm at the church will Dr. Chad Hess officiating. Burial will be at Glen Haven Cemetery in Madisonville, Tennessee later.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hands of Hope International or the Woodmont Doll ministry.