Marcus Tyrone Grayson was born on September 18, 1974, in Cleveland Ohio, to the late Daisy Grayson and Reed Thedford. Marcus was the youngest child of five and was named by Daisy’s dearest friend, the late Barbara Jean Tucker who was also born on the same day as Marcus. Marcus grew up in the Cleveland Hough neighborhood where he loved the outdoors, and folks would call him Little Arnold from the television show “Different Strokes.”

Marcus attended George Washington Carver Elementary, and graduated from Shaw High School, Job Corps – Business Clerical Training and Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. Marcus was very quiet most of the time, but when he spoke, he was funny and loved to joke and be very precise. He was always curious about learning new words, learning about new topics and he enjoyed studying history from the bible.

Marcus was an excellent caregiver for his mother and became a great cook and he loved gathering with his siblings and family members on birthdays and holidays. Marcus had a smile that would light up the room.

As time went on, Marcus was employed as a Correction Officer with the City of Cleveland – Justice Center, employed with Guardsmark Security and Royce Security from 2000 to 2009 until his health started to take a toll.

Marcus enjoyed reading, cooking, and riding his bike and listening to music in his free time. In 2005, Marcus got married to Martha Dixon and from that union he had one child Marcus Edward-Reed Grayson, Jr. In the same year, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized.

As life happens, Marcus spent most of his time residing with his mother, Daisy Grayson. He loved and missed her dearly as he suffered from a broken heart shortly after her passing. Therefore, Marcus is preceded in death by his mother, Daisy Grayson and his brother, Eugene Grayson and his father, Reed Thredford, his aunt, Susie Belle Potts, brother-in-law Jeffrey D. Perkins.

Marcus is survived by his son Marcus Edward-Reed Grayson, Jr., his brothers Charles Grayson, and Curtis Grayson (Vivian Grayson) and sister Mary Perkins. And a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.