Obituary: Marion Cox Harrington

Marion Cox Harrington, 69, of Kinston, NC passed away on August 24, 2024, after a few years of declining health. He was born in Kinston on November 9, 1954, to Robert Lee Harrington and Margie Cox (McDaniel) Harrington. His parents and two older brothers Robert L. Harrington Jr. and Roger Wyatt McDaniel, Jr. preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughter Jessica Martin Harrington of New York; sister Linda McDaniel Lee and her husband, Mike Lee, III and their two sons Mike IV and Wyatt. He is also survived by his brother, Jan Douglas Harrington; sister in law Diane B McDaniel and her son Layton and daughter Sarina, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marion grew up in Gordon Street Christian Church where he was also active in Boy Scouts. He attended Kinston City Schools and played baseball and football in High School. He graduated from East Carolina University with a B.A. in English. He served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. One of his fondest Navy memories was meeting George H.W. Bush when he was a member of the Navy Color Guard that greeted them. Mr. Bush, then Vice-President, got off of Air Force 2, walked over to speak to them and shook the hand of each Sailor.

Marion was an avid reader, a book lover, especially history, and enjoyed answering questions on “Jeopardy”. As his vision worsened as a result of macular degeneration, he still listened to television but missed his books, newspaper and crossword puzzles.

The Family wishes to thank the many friends who helped him in many ways, especially the Veterans at the G.I. Joe Museum, friends who stopped by and checked on him and the kindness of Mike Ingalls. Special thanks to childhood friends who visited Rose Vista - Margie Russell, Marty Askew, Jane Langley Brothers, Jimbo Perry & Chris Maroules. Many thanks to the entire staff at Rose Vista For all their efforts as well as the nurses from Gentiva Hospice.

There will be a celebration of life at the Gordon Street Christian Church Fellowship Hall on North St. in Kinston, NC on Saturday Sept 7th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to: Purple Heart Homes, American Macular Degeneration Foundation, or the C.O.P.D. Foundation

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.