Willie Roy Marks passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Warren, Arkansas, he was the beloved son of Bennie Marks and Ollie (Ganner) Marks. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Willie will be remembered for his strength, generosity, humor, and his boundless love for his family.
A proud graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly A.M.&N.), Willie earned his degree in Biology before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1961. He served honorably as a Field Artillery Operations Intelligence Assistant. His last duty assignment in major command was Battery A 2d How Battalion 14th Artillery USAR EUR, Corporal E-4 in Germany. He received commendations for Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14). He brought the same quiet strength, discipline, and integrity to civilian life that he demonstrated in uniform.
After his service, Willie began a long and accomplished career at Greene Manufacturing as a die and maker. His creativity, technical skill, and innovative thinking earned him recognition and advancement in the field of engineering design. He first retired from Greene Manufacturing in 1995, returned shortly after, and retired again in 2000. Still brimming with energy, he later began a second career at InSinkErator in Racine, retiring officially in 2016.
Willie was deeply proud of his work and was always eager to learn new techniques in tool design. He earned certifications in drafting and industrial design and continued sharpening his skills in architectural engineering. Whether at work or at home, he was always mastering something new.
A true artist at heart, he was a Picasso in the making — channeling his creativity through oil painting, leatherwork, and other hands-on projects. He took immense pride in working with his hands, and his passion for craftsmanship never waned.
He was also an extreme sports enthusiast who never missed a boxing match, a Monday night football game, or a professional basketball showdown. And when he wasn’t cheering from his favorite chair, you could find him outside — “playing in the dirt,” as he fondly called it — planting flowers and trees, mowing the lawn, or firing up the grill. His ribs were legendary, and he always made sure there was something for everyone at the table.
Willie was a hardworking man who deeply valued family, perseverance, and personal integrity. His greatest joy came from the people he loved and the life he built with them.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Joycette (Rogers) Marks; his daughters Willie Marie Marks, Robbie (William) Marks Joyner and Shamice (Rogers) Roberts; his eldest brother, Bennie (Ruth) Marks, Jr., and his grandchildren, Bianca, Ashley Nicole, Raymond, Quinita, Sydney, Lauren Ashley, and Zion. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will miss his steady presence, quiet wisdom, and unwavering love.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Marks, Sr. and Ollie (Ganner) Marks, his youngest daughter, Nicole Rae Marks-Eckberg, his sister, Eartha Marks Franklin, brothers James Marks (Thelma) and Lee Marks (Robbiezine).
A Military Honors Memorial Service will be held in loving memory on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI 53182. During this difficult time, the family kindly asks for privacy as they grieve and are not receiving visitors.
