Mr. David Marcus, 59, of Shellman, Georgia departed this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 115 Pine Street, Shellman, Georgia.

Interment will follow in the Eastview Cemetery, 184 College Street, Shellman, Georgia 39886. Mr. David Junior Marcus was born on August 1, 1966, to the late Annie Doris Johnson Marcus and George Marcus, Jr. He was raised in a close-knit family grounded in faith, hard work, and deep love for one another. He was the cherished grandson of the late Clydie Mae Johnson and Andrew Johnson, Sr., and the late Ella Mae Marcus and George Marcus, Sr., who all helped shape the values he carried throughout his life.

David received his education in the Randolph County school system and graduated with the Class of 1984. During his school years, he was an active band member and proudly played the trumpet, a talent that reflected his love for music. He also expressed his love for music through singing and later co-founded the group, “The Golden Voices.”

Following high school, David honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Upon returning home from military service, he entered the workforce and was employed with Peerless and later the Dawson Manufacturing Company. Inspired by his late Uncle Henry Johnson, Sr., David transitioned into a career as an owner-operator—a career he took pride in and one that reflected his independent spirit and strong work ethic.

Throughout his adult life, David faced health challenges, which he carried with strength and determination. Even in difficult seasons, he maintained his sense of humor, his love for people, and his appreciation for life’s simple moments with family.

He was known as a jack-of-all-trades, gifted with the ability to fix, build, and figure things out, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. While he spent his free time in a variety of ways, he especially enjoyed fishing with his mother, the late Annie Doris Johnson Marcus. He also loved long phone calls, especially with his beloved daughter, Dayla Fritts-Marcus.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and joined the Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir.

David was united in marriage to his loving and devoted wife, Carla Fritts-Marcus. Their union spanned 28 years and was marked by love, laughter, commitment, and companionship. He was a loving and devoted father to his daughters, Dayla Fritts Marcus and Kaila Barrett, who were the light of his life and a constant source of pride.

He shared strong, loving bonds with his siblings, Ella
Mae Neal, Pinkie Marcus, and Georgie Kemp. He is also survived by his mother in-law, Jean Coleman; aunts, Nellie Bell Sheppard, Lonzie Mae Gilbert, Diane Wright, Rusha Henry, Mary Lockett Marcus, Dorothy Edwards, and Pearlie Johnson; and his uncles, Mike (Hattie) Johnson, Charlie (Joyce) Marcus, John L. (Mary) Marcus, and Rob Marcus.

David was a cherished uncle to his nieces—Aleshia Powell, Trudy Terry, Shereca (Derrell) Harvey, and LaTonya Rogers—and his nephews—Arnold (Terri) Marcus, Travis Marcus, Gregory Terry, Sr., Derrick (April) Hughley, Sr., LaTony Neal, and Cody Hughley, Sr. He leaves behind a host of cousins, extended family members, and loved ones who will miss his voice, his laughter, and his presence. Among those closest to him were his lifelong friends, Anthony Pearman and Matthew L. Gilbert, friends who knew him best and who shared years of memories, conversations, and life’s ups and downs.

Deacon David Junior Marcus entered eternal rest at 4:33 a.m. on January 3, 2026, with his loving wife and daughters by his side. He will be remembered as a man who lived, laughed, loved, and endured. And for those who knew him best, his words will echo on: “Life’s a long haul—enjoy the ride, keep it between the lines, and don’t forget to laugh along the way.”

His journey continues—in memory, in love, and in all the lives he touched.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.