John Markey Roanoke, Virginia Obituary

John Markey

John Markey, 85, of Roanoke (also known as Mr. Civitan) went to be with his Lord on December 9, 2016.  Born on May 23, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, he was the youngest of 14 children. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Norma Jean Markey; sons James (Renee) Markey of Roanoke and John Markey II of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren Lynsey (Zach) Schneider of Mammoth Lakes, CA, Andrew Markey of Charlotte, NC, Lauren Markey of Lynchburg, and Jourdan Markey of Roanoke; great-grandchildren Rilynn and Ivan Schneider of Mammoth Lakes, CA; sister Kathleen Greene of Roanoke, brother Carl Markey of Charlotte, NC, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. John served with the Army during the Korean War.  After military service he attended Roanoke College and worked for 20 years in the insurance field, earning the distinction of Chartered Life Underwriter®.  At the time of his retirement from the insurance business, he was the National Sales Director for First Commonwealth Life.  He then worked for 30 years in residential real estate where he attained the Graduate, Realtor® Institute designation.  John was an active member of the Roanoke Civitan Club for 54 years, serving seven terms as club president.  He was Governor of both the Appalachian and Chesapeake Districts, earning the title of Distinguished Governor both times.  John sponsored over 100 new members into Civitan and was the driving force behind the formation of several new Civitan clubs.  The Roanoke Civitan Club honored John by naming him a Life Member and designating him as a Foundation Fellow of the International Civitan Research Center. John was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and the Chancel Choir and most recently was a member of Bonsack Baptist Church. He was predeceased by his father, Andrew, his mother, Angela, daughter Kathryn Jean Markey, son David Michael Markey, niece Lyn Yeatts, seven brothers, and four sisters. In accordance with John’s wishes, his body was donated to the state anatomical program. The family would like to thank the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care, responsiveness and many kindnesses.  A memorial service will be conducted at 11 am on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Bonsack Baptist Church with Dr. Robert G. Moore, III officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Emory & Henry College for the Kathryn Jean Markey Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 950, Emory, VA 24327-9905. Arrangements are by Oakey’s East Chapel (540-977-3909).
December 9, 201612/09/2016
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Guest
December 14, 2016
So deeply sorry to here of Mr. Markey passing. Was the best boss I ever had.
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Guest
December 13, 2016
Norma Jean and family - Sending sincere condolences during this difficult time. John was a remarkable person and will be missed by many.
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Guest
December 12, 2016
What a wonderful, kind family man Mr. Markey was! I will never his kindness he extended to my husband and me when we were first married regarding insurance. Very professional, very knowledgeable. Prayers for the family!
G
Guest
December 12, 2016
To the family of John Markey,
G
Guest
December 11, 2016
Thank you, Norma Jean, for your patience during all of these 54 Civitan years.