Gregory M. Markley

1956 - 2024

Gregory Michael Markley

AUBURN, AL - Mr. Gregory Michael Markley, a beloved husband, son, and brother passed away on March 15, 2024 at the age of 67. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Saturday, April 6, 2024 beginning at 3:00 PM CST. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Mr. Markley will be laid to rest the following Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery at 12:30 PM CST.

Mr. Markley, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was born to Joseph and Helen Markley on May 31, 1956. He soon began his military career, first in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, before beginning his active Army career in June, 1981, as a public information specialist at Fort Bliss, Texas. This would be the first of many editorial jobs. In the 80's, he contributed either as editor or senior journalist to the Diogenes Review, Turkey; The Sentinel, Fort McPherson, Georgia; 44th Military History Detachment, Fort McPherson, Georgia; Tropic Times, Panama; Public Affairs Office, Fort McClellan, Alabama. He also redesigned the McClellan News, wrote many WAC-related articles, and special reports on family support activities during Operations Desert Shield/Storm. In the last 20 years, Mr. Markley continued his passionate career in journalism. In the 1990's, he served as the Editor of the Berlin Observer, where he published the last print edition, and worked closely with the Women's Army Corp. From 1996-1999 he was the Chief Political Writer and Assistant City Editor for the O/A News, Opelika, AL, where he won 7 AP Awards for news and features. From 1999 till 2001, he became the Military/General Assignment Reporter of the Albany Herald, Albany, GA after which he spent a year as a staff writer for the Maxwell AFB/Gunter Dispatch in Montgomery, AL.

In 2002, he decided to further his education at Auburn University as a Full Time Graduate Student. This supplemented his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from Rhode Island College and his Journalist, Photojournalist, PA Supervisor, and Newspaper Editor degree he obtained from Defense Information School, Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN.

By 2008, Mr. Markley had worked extensively to obtain a Master of Education from AUM and a Master in History (Modern U.S. Focus) from Auburn University. With this newfound success, Mr. Markley would spend the next decade teaching World History at AUM; U.S. and African American History at Vincennes U. in Ft. Moore (formally known as Ft. Benning), GA; Modern U.S. History at AUM; Being a local/state political writer at the Opelika Observer; and until his death, was a Politics and Education Columnist (part time) for the Opelika Observer, where he won an APA contest in 2022, Best Editorial, and 2nd place for Best Politics Column.

Besides his outstanding career in journalism, Mr. Markley was also a well-traveled gentleman. Most notably living or visiting Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, France Germany, Haiti, Honduras, Macedonia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Turkey, as well as 37 U.S. States. Some of his travels were due to deployments. Most notably: Haiti (1994); Macedonia (1994); Croatia (1993); Costa Rica (1989); Honduras (1986 &1984). This travel allowed him to receive several international writing awards including: U.S. Army-Europe Journalist of the year; Best Army Newspaper in Europe; and Best Commentaries, TRADOC. As well as these writing awards, he was awarded four Army Commendation Medals; three Army Achievement Medals; Humanitarian Service Medal; UN Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal; and several others.

Mr. Markley was also greatly involved with his community. He was part of several associations and societies. A few of which were the Georgia Political Science Association, Alabama Historical Association, Lee County Literacy (Board Member 1997-99), Southern Political Science Association, Texas State Historical Association, Society of Alabama Archivists (Executive Board Member 2012-14), Kappa Delta Pi (Education), Phi Alpha Theta (History), Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science). He was also heavily involved with the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) and spent many weekends volunteering at Fort Moore (formally known as Fort Benning).

Mr. Markley is preceded in death by his father and mother; his brother, Larry Markley; his sister, Ann Marie Markley; and many aunts and uncles.

Mr. Markley is survived by his loving wife of many years, Mrs. Angeline H. Markley of Auburn, AL. His brother, Thomas J. Markley of North Providence, Rhode Island, and many cousins. His is also survived by his beloved cat, Fauna and his beloved dog Emma.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree in memory of Gregory Michael Markley or donate to the Lee County Humane Society.