Emory Lee Marlin, age 19, of Burns, TN died peacefully on Wednesday November 19, 2025, with his family and friends by his side.
Emory was born in Baptist Hospital in Nashville on August 17, 2006, the son of Terry Allen Marlin and Sonya Davidson Marlin. From day one, he was born a leader, and you might say a man before his time. Emory, along with his sidekick brother Jonah, has made a footprint on many hearts in this community. Although Emory’s life was short in number of years, his life was impactful and full of productivity. Emory was a light to all who met him, a pure soul, and an inspiration.
Emory was a very humorous young man, somewhat mischievous, with a quick wit, and a huge loving heart. He was fun loving, and patient. He was a guy of few words, but his actions were powerful. He held strong to his convictions and was determined. He was small but mighty with an infectious smile.
Emory loved movies, girls, Legos, expensive sports cars, and blowing up buildings. He somehow always won playing games. He was a world traveler, having visited Barcelona, Marseille, Rome, Naples, London, Paris, and Hawaii. Emory will be remembered as a young man that loved to dance, listen to music, and draw pictures on the dry-erase board.
Emory, who never experienced what most people take for granted, lived with a quiet bravery that shaped everyone who loved him. Though his days were marked by challenges far beyond his years, he met them with a spirit that taught us how to cherish life, how to find joy in small moments, and how to love without hesitation.
Emory and his brother Jonah’s life revolved around the cause of Fight DMD, raising some 2.2 million dollars over the years. They, along with family and friends, worked tirelessly for this cause and truly made a difference.
As we think of heaven, may we all imagine Emory is now running marathons in a new body without pain. He is now experiencing God’s complete love and joy beyond our abilities to truly comprehend. Let us imagine him in the loving arms of Jesus, our Savior, who understands suffering as Emory did, and who invites us all to be comforted as Emory is now comforted and completely healed.
Emory is survived by his mom, Sonya Davidson Marlin; his dad Terry Marlin; his brother Jonah Marlin; his grandparents, Tommy and Janice Davidson and Ernie and Barbara Marlin; his uncles, Eric Davidson and Troy Marlin; and countless other family and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. from Walnut Street Church of Christ. Terry Marlin, Brian Ragan, and Chad Fussell will officiate. Visitation will be on Sunday at the church beginning at 12 Noon until time of services. Place of rest will be in the Bon Aqua Church of Christ Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Fight DMD or a nonprofit of your choosing.