Joel “Joey” Marley

Joel “Joey” Marley, 62, of Morganton, NC, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

Born in Guilford County, NC on May 8, 1960, he was the son of Joel Wayne Marley and Carol Byrd Marley.

A man of few words, Joey never met a stranger and was a friend to all he met. He was rich in talents, including playing and building banjos, playing other instruments, flying model airplanes, computer graphics design, horseman, fisherman, volunteer fireman, amateur radio operator – W4BTW, and playmate and advisor to his grandchildren. His grandchildren know, “If Pawpaw can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.”

Joey never made any long-term plans because, as he always said, “There’s no need to make a plan, because God has the master plan.” After never being sick a day in his life, God’s plan called Joey home to heaven after a short, hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Joey married his childhood neighbor and playmate, Kimberly Marlene Marley, and created a beautiful family together. They were married for 36 wonderful years. All it took for him to turn her heart was playing with her dolls as a kid, and later a wink and a little banjo picking.

Greeting Joey in heaven are the family and loved ones that have gone before: son, Bradley Keith Felts; and parents-in-law, Gary and Reba Hill.

In addition to his parents, Joey is survived by his wife, Kimberly Marlene Marley; son, Jason Reid Marley (JoBeth); daughter, Heather Rebekah Edwards (Garrett Lindemann); brother, Darrin Marley (Mildred); grandchildren, Zachary Ernest Felts, Briceson Gary Felts, Rebakah Faith Felts, John Wayne Edwards, Jackson Reid Marley, and Jayden Cole Marley; special granddaughter; Arabella Olivia Lindemann; brother-in-law, Greg Deaton (Deanene); numerous nieces and nephews; and close friend and brother, Mark McClellan.

The family wish to thank the staff and critical care staff at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge for their support and care of Joey and family. They were so special and kind throughout this journey.

A celebration of Joey’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Joey’s honor to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org/donate. Please support this organization in their work to [Wage Hope] for others battling this silent cancer.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.