Marvin R. Pell, 90, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away Thursday morning, July 30, 2015, at a local health care facility.
Born in Fyfee, AL, he had lived the majority of his life in Tennessee. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving in the First Infantry Division commonly known as the “Big Red One” during World War II and being combat wounded fighting in the European theatre. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He along with his wife owned and operated the Athens Shoe Repair store for more than 30 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Athens.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Tennie Ross Pell; wife, Nina Pell; grandson, Michael Pell; great-grandson, Max Pell; and brothers, Hoyt, Willard and Oran Pell.
He is survived by his daughter, Donna McCollister and husband Jack of Athens; son, Steven Pell and wife Betsy of Athens; grandchildren, Hannah Teage, Lauren McCollister, A.J. McCollister, David Pell and wife Karen; great-grandchildren, Haley, Alex, and Lucas Pell, Tabitha Brown and husband Nick, and Clint Goins; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow in McMinn Memory Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Military honors and a white dove release ceremony will conclude the services.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1 prior to the funeral service.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Pell’s memory to the Coordinated Charities of Athens.
Serenity Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.