Wilbur "Big Will" Marks

Wilbur Marks, affectionately known as “Big Will” to all who knew and loved him, was born on September 16, 1954, in Monroe, Louisiana. He was the third 3^rd of nine (9) children born to Wilbur and Betty Lou Blankenship Marks.

Raised in Tallulah, Louisiana, Will learned the value of hard work early in life. As a young boy, Will supported his family after his father sustained an injury that limited his ability to work. This early responsibility shaped Will into the dedicated and dependable man he would become. He attended Wright Elementary School and later Reuben McCall High School, where he played both basketball and football. He claimed he could’ve gone pro :-)

Will relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Peggy Hicks. The two were united in marriage on December 21, 1973, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Their union was blessed with three children: Rodney, Cecil, and Demetra. Will worked diligently to provide for his family, eventually retiring from the City of Dallas LES after many years of service.

Outside of work, Will found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved returning to the country to plant his garden, go fishing, and hunt—though his family remembers that he “wasted a lot of bullets.” :-)

Will was a man who believed in showing up—for his family, and his friends and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

Will was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Wilbur and Betty Lou Marks, and two (2) sisters, Martha Ann Marks and Louise Marks.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of almost fifty-two (52) years, Peggy Marks; one (1) son, Rodney Earl (Chianti “Nikki”) Hicks of Arlington, TX; two (2) daughters, Cecil Michelle Marks of Desoto, TX, and Demetra Rochelle Marks of Dallas, TX; seven (7) grandchildren; six (6) great-grandchildren; three (3) brothers, Ray Marks of Las Vegas, NV, Aaron Marks of Oak Grove, LA, and Jerry L. Marks of Dallas, TX; three (3) sisters, Ethel (Patrick) Ashley of Lancaster, TX, Valerie Marks of Monroe, LA, and Marie Marks of Mer Rouge, LA; one (1) uncle, David Blankenship; and a host of nephews, nieces, extended relatives, and friends.

Visitation

Saturday, October 11,, 2025

12:00 PM

Rising Str Baptist Church

10987 US-287 N, Grapeland, Texas 75844

Service

Saturday, October 11,, 2025

1:00 PM

Rising Str Baptist Church