'Golden voice': Friends remember 'larger than life' Greg Marr, Jr., after tragic death

There was nothing Greg Marr Jr. loved more than God, his family and his country — specifically in that order.

A known family man and passionate patriot, Marr will always be remembered in the community for his signature voice, long bushy beard and denim overalls he wore everywhere.

David Pienta, a Wakulla County Sheriff’s deputy, said if he hadn’t had to wear his uniform to Marr’s funeral Saturday, he would’ve worn overalls in honor of his trademark fashion sense.

“I wanted everybody to,” said Pienta, who was friends with Marr for years. “I think if he's sitting where I hope he's sitting right now, he would be laughing. He would even be laughing so hard that it’d probably rain on us.”

The night of July 25, the 52-year-old was hit and killed as he walked along Revadee Spear Road in Crawfordville. The Florida Highway Patrol’s traffic homicide division is still investigating the accident.

Pienta and his wife Rachel got dressed to go to the hospital to be with Marr’s wife and two sons the minute they heard.

“He’s probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my entire life,” he said.

According to his obituary, "Greg will be remembered by his wife of 28 years Denise Marr, mother Lucy Edwards and husband Randy, his 2 sons "David" William Marr & Samuel "Brooks" Marr.

He is predeceased by his father, Greg Sewall Marr, Sr., a leading Republican leader in Leon County, who also died tragically when he was on a “bucket list” hike near Catawba, Virginia, and slipped down a 100-foot steep cliff.

Wakulla County Commissioner Ralph Thomas said the junior Marr would be remembered for his friendly personality and unique character that made him a friend to many, drawing a huge, diverse crowd of people to his funeral from all walks of life.

"He somehow touched each of their lives and will be missed by each and every one," said Thomas, who was friends with Marr more than 15 years. "You weren't just a casual acquaintance with Greg. I think we all felt like he was our best friend."

He drew local fame for the radio show he hosted, Pienta said. He said Marr was vocal about every county, state and national issue under the sun.

For three years, Marr hosted a three-hour talk show called the “Voice of Freedom Today” on WVFT Real Talk 93.3 before he was fired in 2018. The cancelation of his show upset many loyal listeners.

“He had a golden voice, and he knew how to use it,” said Greg Tish, who replaced Marr at the radio station.

Before having his own spotlight, Tish joined Marr on air every Friday. He said he looked forward to each show they produced together, and his presence and voice will definitely be missed.

“He modeled what he believed,” he said. “You could tell he was reliable, and he never deviated from the things that he held dear.”

Marr never drew conclusions from thin air, Thomas said, he always asked questions and did his research. The only way to change his mind was with facts and data, he said.

Because he was a “straight shooter and a hard hitter,” Thomas said he frequently bounced ideas off of him whenever he needed decision-making guidance as a commissioner.

Marr was known for speaking out against county decisions he disagreed with.

“He was a man who was deeply convicted about the things that he believed in,” Thomas said. “I don’t think Greg ever had to really soul search and figure out where he was on most issues.”

Recently commissioners instated a curfew at Shell Point Beach prohibiting people from being on the beach from midnight to 6 a.m.

Marr believed the people own the beach and have a right be there whenever they want if they aren’t doing anything wrong, Thomas said.

In protest, Marr stationed his car in the beach’s parking lot where Pienta found him during one of his night patrols.

Pienta recognized his friend immediately who was sitting playing video poker and smoking a cigarette. He said Marr just smiled at him.

“I’m here to make a point,” Marr told Pienta. “If you think I’m violating a law you need to arrest me, and we’re going to make a point.”

He always knew where the line was drawn when he wanted to press an issue, Pienta said, because he technically wasn't breaking any rules by being in the parking lot.

This night on the beach is just one example of many other times when Marr gave up his free time to take a stand, Thomas said.

Marr’s passion flowed into every area of his life, Pienta said. He cared deeply for his family above anything else, was extremely supportive of the military and law enforcement and was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America as his sons worked to earn their Eagle Scout rank, the most prestigious rank a scout can achieve.

Thomas said he never did anything with fanfare, but simply because he believed in the cause.

“He was just larger than life,” he said. “He always marched to the beat of his own drum.”

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Greg Marr, Jr.: Friends mourn passing of overall-clad, former radio host