Marvin Harris

The Obituary

The wonderful life of Marvin Harris began on May 9, 1951, in Virginia. Marvin, who was lovingly known as "Big Daddy" by family and friends, departed this life on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Marvin attended Millsboro School #204 located in Millsboro, DE. Marvin worked at the Townsends Bean Factory in Georgetown, DE and Townsend Poultry in Millsboro, DE. He lived at Dunbarton Apartments for many years until he decided to live at Ocean Groves Nursing Home in Millsboro. He considered his friends at Dunbarton Apartments as his family and missed them dearly.

Marvin was well known for walking and riding his bike all around Georgetown. There

wasn't a day that went by when you wouldn't see Marvin in town. He was also known for walking all the way to Billy Cannon's house to play spades. Marvin loved helping at the Georgetown Kiwanis Barbecue pit. He would call Brother Ivan and tell him to pick him up to go to the barbecue pit. He loved helping cook the Kiwanis chicken. He also loved going to the men's conference in Chincoteague, VA each year until his health interfered with him attending. To wind down his Monday evenings before bed, he would watch his favorite television show, WWE (wrestling). Not a Monday went by that he didn't watch wrestling or as Marvin would say it "wrastling."

Marvin was a father figure to so many children, but he was a father to KiKi, Tiffany,

Paul, Dania, Le'Angela (whom he called mama) and Jazmine. His favorite pastime was playing spades with his best friends Karico and Tut. Marvin was adored by so many people, but he could also make you mad. Even if he made you mad, it wouldn't last long because soon he was making you laugh again. He had a heart of gold. No matter who you were, Marvin was always willing to help.

Marvin attended the Booker Street Church of God for many years and most recently attended Everlasting Hope Ministries, where Rev. Tony Neal is the Pastor. Tony was an extra special friend to Marvin. He loved Tony and his wife Vanessa. Over the course of many years, no matter the time of day, whenever Marvin called, Tony was there for his friend. Tony was also Marvin's personal barber. Vanessa and Tony took great care of Marvin and made sure if he needed something or needed to go somewhere, they would make sure Marvin had what he needed. There were many days he would ask to go to church at Everlasting Hope Ministries, but he wasn't physically strong enough to attend.

One thing Marvin wanted most was to spend time with his siblings. The day before

his passing, Marvin shared that his sister Wanda was bringing him dinner the next day. On Sunday, August 17, he had dinner with Diane, Wanda, and Ozella. Without a doubt, he enjoyed that time with his sisters. Marvin wanted to see his nephew, Everette, so badly that day that Diane face-timed him so he could talk to Marvin. Later that day, Marvin attended church at Ocean Groves and had prayer. That evening, Marvin laid down to sleep and peacefully went home to be with the Lord.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents James & Thelma Burton, and brothers

James Burton, Jr., Kirk Burton and Irvin Rickards. He leaves to cherish his memories five sisters Diane Burton of Rehoboth, DE, Teresa Singletary (Joe) of Dover, DE, Inez Upshur (Michael) of Milton, DE, Wanda Burton and Ozella Burton of Milford, DE; two brothers Earl Harris (Shirley) of Georgetown, DE and Clarence Burton of Ellendale, DE; three aunts Cordelia Hopkins of Millsboro, DE, Cornelia Bradley of Milford, DE and Jennie West (Rudolph) of Fenwick Island, DE; two uncles Marvin Powell of Wilmington, DE and Ernest Powell (Vanessa) of Millsboro, DE; a special cousin Sabrina Neal (Ivan) of Georgetown, DE; spiritual leaders Anthony (Tony) Neal (Vanessa) of Georgetown, DE; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.