Obituary of Alvin Curtis Marker

Alvin Curtis Marker, 89, of Auburndale, was born in Wyndotte, MI on September 27, 1927 to CW (Pat) Marker and Mae (Marker) Kemp. He passed away at Lakeland Regional Hospital on June 11, 2017. Alvin was raised by his grandparents, Fred and Eva Marker. In 1936, they moved to Auburndale and Fred opened a grocery store on Bridgers Avenue. Helping in the store, Alvin became a business man at an early age. Growing up on Lake Ariana, Al enjoyed fishing and boating. He was a Boy Scout. He was a proud Bloodhound, class of 1946, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball, He briefly served in the Army and returned home to graduate from Florida Southern. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Jacky Harvard. He attended Lena Vista Baptist and First Baptist of Polk City churches. Al worked at Continental Can Co. for 19 years before owning and operating three Badcock Furniture stores for 37 years. Al always had a side business: a chicken farm, orange groves, and land developments. Until his recent illness, he ran the daily business of his commercial rental properties. He never 'retired' having an incredible work ethic. In 1988, Al & Jacky bought a home on New Smyrna Beach and Al got a boat. They enjoyed the beach and taking the boat to the Bahamas for family vacations. After Jacky's death in 1997, Al returned to his home in Auburndale. In 2005, Al and family visited Panama and he bought a condo at the beach and another boat for fishing. He made many new friends there and had many adventures exploring Panama. He always loved playing and watching sports. Being an avid golfer, he played until 2 years ago. He was a member of the Old Timers Breakfast club. He never missed an AHS nor Continental Can reunion. To quote one of his one of his friends, 'He was so charismatic and had such personal power. He called his own shots right to the end. He was a big man and lived a big life. He will be missed by all.' Alvin was a devoted to his family and is survived by his children Debbie (Don), Joyce, and Victor (Lisa), granddaughters Victoria (Chris) and Danielle (Pete) and half sister Marge.