Marvin Burney

The greatest fighter in the world, Marvin Everette Burney of Clarkton, died Thursday, December 6, and won his victory. He was 63.

A dialysis patient for 23 years and 10 months, Marvin endured 3,565 dialysis treatments over the years. He never complained and never questioned his lot in life. Marvin believed that God's plan for his life had a purpose and he embraced his fate. Marvin fervently believed that he was the luckiest man alive.

One of the first patients in NC trained in home hemodialysis, Marvin completed his own treatments in his home. He was proud that he could save his own life over and over again for the last 11 years. Marvin was amazing!

Marvin had a happy spirit, an infectious laugh, a wicked sense of humor, and the most beautiful blue eyes. He never met a stranger and would talk to anybody at any time about anything. He absolutely loved life and lived it to the fullest. He fought- and fought hard- until the very end.

Marvin was adored and spoiled by his family, and he very much enjoyed being with the ones who loved him. Family, to him, was everything.

Marvin volunteered in his community as a DYB coach for 27 years. His win/loss record was not as important to him as his dedication to help boys become men.

Woodworking was Marvin's passion, and he designed and built beautiful end tables, baby cradles, and cabinets. He never sold any of his creations, giving them away to family and friends instead.

Marvin was predeceased by his parents George and Georgianner Burney, and brothers James Robert (Jim) Burney, Charles F. (Buddy) Burney, and Walt (Peat-C) Burney.

His survivors include Marvin's wife/sweetheart/dialysis partner, Marsha Hough Burney of the home; brother, Ronnel Burney (Ann) of Clarkton, sister, Geraldine (Sissie) Burney Edge (David) of White Oak; sister-in-law, Linda Burney of Elizabethtown, Jean Cross of Clarkton; parents-in-law, Moody and Ann Hough of Wadesboro; sister-in-law, Mandy Hough Kennedy (Ken) of Badin Lake; brother-in-law, Garry Hough (Cathy) of Gastonia; and sister-in-law, Dean Burney Ellison (David) of New Bern. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Frankie Burney (Christy), Lori Burney, Noel Dennis (John), Robbie Burney (Karen), Melanie Collier (Rodney), Todd Burney (Carrie), Cory Singletary (Ron), Zachary Kennedy, Graham Burney, and Tyler Kennedy (Hannah); great nieces and nephews, Whitney Burney-Sult (BJ), Sky Burney, Marissa Smith (Clayton), Jacob Gonzalez, Summer Singletary, Tripp Burney, Jolie Burney, Paisley Singletary, and Baby K due in June; great-great nieces and nephews, Riley Grace Burney, Lauren Smith, Hunter Sult, and Aubree Burney; and special cousin, Sarah Anglin, along with multiple other cousins.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 3:00 pm at White Plains Presbyterian Church with Rev. Warren Hill officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following the services in the church fellowship hall. The family will receive friends at other times at the home of John and Noel Dennis, 2073 South Page Road, Clarkton.