Marcus E. Boring, Jr.

Marcus (Mark) Edmond Boring, Jr., age 69, changed his address from earth to Heaven on October 15, 2025. He was the son of Ed and Betty Boring and the baby brother of Linda Whitehead (Maryville), Pat LeQuire (Johnson City), and the husband of Tina (Arms) Boring. He was the uncle to nephews Scott Whitehead (Maryville), Robbie Whitehead (Maryville), Seth Morefield (Johnson City) and nieces Jessica Muncy (Johnson City), Paige Hartley (Butler).

He was born marching to the beat of a different drum, and he marched to that unique beat his whole life. He discovered his love of music while in the sixth grade at Everett Elementary School when he began playing the trumpet. He played trumpet all through high school, college, and almost his entire adult life. It was a great decision for him, but his family and neighbors suffered through many hours of practice before he became the master musician that he was. He played several instruments, but trumpet remained his instrument of choice. He was a proud member of the Everett High School marching band under the direction of Larry Hicks until he graduated in 1974. He and Larry remained friends throughout his life.

Mark attended Tennessee Technological University from 1974 to 1978 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a major in Music. He received his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Music Education with a major in Music and a secondary degree in History. He obtained his Educational Specialist degree (EDS) in 2000. His path was set for life as he used his creative musical abilities to compose and direct his own music. His first year of teaching was at Greenback. He then worked as Assistant Band Director at Heritage High School alongside Larry Hicks for many years as well as traveling between several middle schools (Porter, Eagleton) teaching music. Before retiring in 2008, he stopped traveling and became the Band and Choral Director at Eagleton Middle School. He was one of the original members of the Maryville College Community Band and played in the Maryville Alcoa Community Orchestra. He also performed with The Max Band, Westwind Band, Craggy Top Brass Quintet, and several other musical groups including church groups.

He married the love of his life Tina M. Arms on June 8, 1995. They met in high school in 1972. Each had a crush on the other but never spoke of it. Throughout the years they remained good friends until they made the decision to take the next step. The wedding theme was “The Three Stooges.” Yes, you read that right. He was a “Three Stooges” fan his whole life. Tina loved him and his unique approach to life for 30+ years. He loved golfing and his 1964 Ford Falcon. Mark and Tina shared and loved many of the same hobbies and interests: the Three Stooges, Stephen King, scuba diving, playing music, gardening, watching the Twilight Zone, Wild Wild West, Grimm, and a variety of history/historical documentaries. They enjoyed being with each other and their four fur babies: Lola, Pippa, Mokee, and Scooby (and their five fur babies who have gone to the Rainbow Bridge).

Mark had many lifelong friends including former students that will miss his presence. Two special friends, John Thomas Dodson (Atlanta) and Carson Caldwell (Maryville) were very supportive to both Mark and Tina to the end of his journey. Tina’s sisters, Sherry Knox (Knoxville), and Lana Arms (Atlanta) also provided support during his journey.

Mark indeed made the world a better place. He was one of the good guys. Thankfully, we will see him again one day in Heaven and we’re pretty sure he will be telling jokes and trying out for heaven’s band.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Marcus Boring to The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Cancer Institute Research and Development Fund. Gifts can be made online or sent to the Office of Philanthropy at: 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 110 | Knoxville, TN 37920.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 3736 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37804, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 3:00 pm.