Marcus Kiddy was born September 5, 1949, in Corinth, Mississippi, the son of the late Albert Marcus and Mildred Olene Curtis Kiddy.

He was united in marriage to Patty Taylor on June 6, 1980. Having known one another since 1958, they found their way back to each other after high school and college and shared 46 wonderful years together.

A 1968 graduate of Ramer High School, Marcus continued his education at Jackson State, Lambuth University, and Union University before earning his master’s degree in Education and Psychology from Memphis State University. He dedicated his professional life to education and mental health, working three years with the McNairy County Board of Education before spending more than 30 years with Western Mental Health Institute.

Known for his warm personality and caring heart, Marcus was voted “Friendliest” in the Who’s Who of the Class of 1968, a fitting recognition that remained true throughout his life. He was a generous and dependable man who found great joy in caring for others, especially his family. His favorite “occupation” was keeping his grandchildren, Jake, Judd, Jaci, and Jebb, whom he babysat from birth until they began school. He lovingly doted on them and was affectionately known as “Daddy” to his daughters, Brandi and Brooke, proudly known as “Daddy’s Girls.”

Marcus was a faithful member of Eastside Church of Christ, where he had worshiped since 1980 and served as a deacon. He willingly served in numerous capacities, including many years of Vacation Bible School and with Church of Christ Disaster Relief, helping families affected by tornadoes. Even as his health declined, he continued serving by delivering meals to shut-ins and checking on members of his church family.

In his younger years, Marcus enjoyed working on and cleaning cars, often helping ladies in the neighborhood in exchange for their homemade rolls. He also loved playing solitaire, eating out with family and friends, watching McNairy Central sports, cheering for the Atlanta Braves and Ramer Eagles, and following Tennessee Vols softball.

Marcus departed this life on August 23, 2026, in Selmer, Tennessee, at the age of 76 Years, 11 Months, 18 Days. He is survived by his wife, Patty Kiddy of Selmer; daughters, Brandi Wardlow and husband, Ken, of Ramer, and Brooke Kiddy of Selmer; grandchildren, Jake, Judd, Jaci, and Jebb Wardlow; sister, Carolyn Rowsey of Selmer; brother, Donnie Kiddy of Guys; niece, Renee Rowsey of Selmer; nephews, Brian Rowsey and wife, Christy, of Bethel Springs, Don Essary and wife, Judy, Richie Essary and wife, Jamy, Buzz Essary, Dale Essary and wife, Michelle, Wesley Essary; bonus daughter, Kim Worthey; great-nieces, Caroline Henderson and husband, Dylan, of Selmer, Kristen Rowsey, Jilliann Rowsey, and Ellisyn Rowsey; great-great-nephew and niece, Curtis and Loxley Henderson; and bonus grandchildren, Rachel, Ben, and Ava Worthey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers David, Johnny, and Ronnie Kiddy; sister, JoAnn Essary; brother-in-law, Jimmy Rowsey; and bonus son, Gregg Worthey.

Marcus leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, service, and love that will live on through his family, church, and all who were fortunate to know him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marcus’s memory to the Ramer Booster Club – Core Athletics or the McNairy Central Girls Basketball and Girls Softball teams.