Claude P. Marcum, Jr, Buddy to friends and family, died May 8,2026.

He was born in Bristow, VA to Claude and Virginia Marcum.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters Cathy, Claudine and Christina, son-in-laws Gary Hull and David Cavalier, grandchildren Taylor, Caleb, Virginia, Gillian and Emma and great granddaughter Beatrice. His sisters, Wilma, Dorrie and Carlene survived him as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his oldest sister, Charlotte and cousin, Cotton, who was like a brother.

Buddy enjoyed hunting, horseback riding and farming. He served in the Marines as an expert marksman. Returning to civilian life, he worked for Barber and Ross delivering and installing prebuilt homes, then operated his own construction business building houses in Northern Virginia. In later years, he was a jack of all trades taking care of summer homes, grading roads and plowing snow. Living on a mountain farm most of his life, he enjoyed planting his garden every year and raising chickens, goats and other animals.

He will be remembered for his ability to fix pretty much everything and being able to talk to anyone. He always had a good story to share or advice to give. He will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Mission Park, which he helped found, at a later date.