Marvin Nathan Brock, 86, of Lula, Georgia, passed away surrounded by his family on February 8, 2022, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. Marvin, son of Thomas Hawkins Brock and Bertha Felicia Hensley Brock, was born in Hall County on March 24, 1935, the youngest of six children.
After graduating from Gillsville High School, he worked for several years before marrying the love of his life, Jo Ann Echols, on July 21, 1956. They had four children together and celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2021.
Marvin worked for himself for most of his life and found great satisfaction in it. He was a master builder, who built some 70 houses, mostly for friends and neighbors. He was a poultry farmer and raised cattle on the family farm. He loved his vegetable garden, often planting more than his family needed and generously sharing with neighbors.
Although Marvin had been in declining health for many years, he never lost his sense of humor and enjoyed nothing more than sitting and talking with family and friends. When healthy, he spent many hours outside on the farm. In recent years he equipped his golf cart with a holder for his portable oxygen tank so that he could continue to spend time roaming the pastures, creeks and pond on the land that was so special to him.
Marvin was preceded in death by four of his siblings—Tom Brock, Lois Spurlock, Ruth Davidson and Eunice Poole. He is survived by his brother Reuben Brock. Other survivors in his immediate family include his wife Jo Ann Echols Brock and his children and their spouses, including Pam and Leon Barrett, Lynn and Tim Klein, Renee and Chris England, and Patrick and Marcia Brock. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and their spouses (where noted) and five great grandchildren: Matthew Barrett, wife Tara and daughter Amelia; Emma Klein Lee, husband Mitch and daughter Liza; Claire Barrett Britt and husband Josh, daughter Evelyn and son John; Hayley Klein; Will England and wife Martha Easton, and daughter Nelle; Erin England; Timothy Klein, Jr.; Abigail Brock; and Alex Brock. Marvin is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Marvin and Jo Ann are members of Air Line Baptist Church, 3368 White Sulphur Rd, Gainesville. The funeral service will be held there on Friday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Enon Baptist Church on Barrett Road, across from the church at 7321 Old Cornelia Highway, Alto, Georgia. Ministers officiating at the service are Rev. Delma Simmons and Rev. Bradley Elliott.
Visitation for friends and family will be held Thursday, February 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Air Line Baptist Church (address noted above) or Fellowship of Christian Athletes (All Abilities Ministry) at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 656, Oakwood Georgia, 30566 or online at my.fca.org. (Note: use or link to full address since it will link back to Hall County)
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home & Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.