Marlin Bernard Pickens, Sr. “Spanky,” was born on July 18^th, 1954, to the late James and Ruby Pickens in Cleveland, Ohio.  He was the second of three children born in that union. He attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated a proud Blue Bomber from East High School in 1972.

After graduating from high school, he met the future love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Hutch. In 1976, he joined the U.S. Army and served for three years stationed in Texas and Korea.  Upon returning to Cleveland in 1979, he reunited with Jackie, marrying her on August 31^st, 1985. To that union was born daughter Ruby and son Marlin Jr.

He was employed as a dedicated Letter Carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He retired in 2015 after performing 28 years of service. He received numerous acknowledgments from his customers and peers for his excellent service and outstanding performance.

Marlin accepted Christ at an early age and loved the Lord. Before his illness, he was a faithful member of New Community Bible Fellowship and served diligently as a member of the Audio Ministry.

Marlin was a devoted husband and father; it was all about his wife Jackie, children, and grandchildren. His passion and joy in life were providing for his family and spending time with them. He cherished every moment with them, including dining out, watching sports, family vacations, cookouts, holidays, listening to music, and celebrating special occasions. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children and often reminded them “to work hard, so that you can play harder” and to “always give 110% in everything that you do”.

In his leisure, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling all over the country fishing on ocean charters, in lakes, streams, and offshore fishing. He particularly loved fishing for Walleye, Yellow Perch, Crappies, and White Bass. He took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren the art of fishing. He also enjoyed reading, watching NASCAR and Formula 1 Racing but had a special love for basketball and football.

He enjoyed trying new things, especially food and was known as a “Foodie” before the term became popular. He was also an excellent cook, his favorite being outdoor grilling.

After a valiant fight, Marlin went from labor to reward on March 28^th, 2022. He is survived by his wife Jackie, daughter Ruby Pickens (significant other Kirk Long), son Marlin Pickens Jr. (significant other Regine Campbell), grandchildren Josef and Jaxon, brother James Pickens Jr. (Gina), sister Marie Walker (Greg), sister-in-law Gwen, brother-in-law Donnie, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.