Eulogy For Marcus
June 20, 2003

I am Barry Caraway, also known as Uncle Barry to Marcus.

I am honored that Marcus would ask that I speak at his memorial and I will do that with the respect that he so much deserves. As a family member, I am also overwhelmed by the love and support from all of you for this incredible young man. It is obvious that in his short time on earth that he not only touched the hearts of his family, but also a generation of students, co-workers and friends.

Marcus sometimes questioned the legacy that he would leave. He wondered whether he had sown enough into his students or with his short time on earth if he would have an impact on those around him. Little did he know that in the end his actions would speak louder than words. That his kind heart and contagious smile could win people over in an instant, and that his bravery and courage to accept, and to deal with his problems head on, would be an inspiration to everyone that crossed his path.

As an Uncle/Nephew relationship, it couldn’t have been better unless we had spent more time together. When we spoke 3 weeks ago, that was our only regret. We loved each other like brothers. Through his younger years he used me as a role model. A position that I was proud of and took very seriously. And for the past 6 years a spiritual mentor, to teach him the goodness of God in all situations. Even in the face of death, his love for God was uncompromising, and he knew that he was being called for an even greater mission at the right hand of our Lord. He wasn’t afraid to die, his main concern was for those that he was leaving behind.

I write an email newsletter in Phoenix, Arizona that goes to over 5000 riders. Last week I wrote about Marcus. The reply email was more than I had ever gotten before. I would like to share with you a few lines from that letter.

About 3 weeks ago I went back to Kansas to be with my Sister and spend a few final days with Marcus. He knew exactly what he was faced with and dealt with it head on. We talked about days gone by and days that we had hoped would come. I asked him how he was in his Faith and he said he was totally at peace and that God needed him now. I also asked him to watch over me and my family. Never losing his sense of humor, he said he would be my #1 Angel, but he would have to fly pretty fast to keep up with me on that motorcycle. I told him that we would hook up again someday and finish what we had started here.

I went on to say:
Marcus was an incredible fighter and an inspiration to all of his students, friends and family. A true testimony of a man that never gave up. Even down to the last days, knowing what he was faced with, he told me he would like to move the family to Arizona some day. I know we are not supposed to ask "Why" here on earth, but instead put our trust in God. Being obedient to the Word, I follow that implicitly. But with all of the crazy things going on in this world, I am compiling a list of questions for the time that I walk through those Pearly Gates. And this will be one of them.

In closing:
I’m sure many of you remember Jimmy Valvano. The fiery coach of the 1983 NC State Championship basketball team. In 1993 he also lost a long and courageous bout with cancer. Standing on the stage just 7 weeks before his death, to accept his ESPY award for courage, his eyes were gaunt, his hair was thin, his body frail, and each step was an adventure in pain---Jimmy said something that I’ll never forget. He said: “I got one last thing I want to say. “Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. But it cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart and it cannot touch my soul.” Then he said: “Don’t Give Up...Don’t ever give up!” No matter what-Don’t Give Up!” These words will forever remind me of Marcus.

I know we can feel sorry for ourselves because we will miss Marcus so much and we are left behind to carry on until our turn arrives. But I thank God he is pain free today. I thank God that I was fortunate enough to be able to hold him, love him for 27 years and share our love of basketball together. And I thank God that I was witness to his courage, strength and hope.

Marcus will be terribly missed in our daily lives, but his legacy will live on for generations.

May God Bless You All.