Marion Clyde Fairey of Saluda, N.C. died on Saturday,  April 12, 2014 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was 75 years old.

Marion was the son of Junius Clyde Fairey Jr. and Louise Berry Fairey.

He was born in Orangeburg, S.C. where he graduated from Orangeburg High School. He enrolled at Clemson University where he was a member of the freshman football team until a knee injury ended his football career.

He transferred to Erskine College where he graduated and was a letterman in baseball. He received a Masters degree from the University of Maryland.

After graduation, Marion worked as a high school teacher and coach in North and South Carolina until he found his true calling, working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Marion served as the Director of the Iredell County Vocational Workshop in Troutman, N.C. from 1977 to 1990 and the Polk Vocational Services in Columbus from 1990 until his retirement in 2003.

Marion was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve.

He served two terms as President of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce, two time President of MARC (Marketing Association of Rehabilitation Centers) and also a long time member of the MARC board of directors.

He also served as the State President of the North Carolina Association of Rehabilitation Facilities where he tirelessly fought for the rights and dignity of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  He was a member of the Saluda United Methodist Church and an active member of the community as long as he was able.

Marion is survived by his wife of 51 years, Frances; his son, Bud and his wife Melanie of Estill, S.C.; his daughter Frances Dell and her husband David Bendert of Moorseville, N.C.; and his daughter Katherine and her husband Chris Benton, of Salisbury, N.C.

In addition, Marion had seven grandchildren:  Alli and Hillary Bendert; Caroline, Kennedy, Hugh and Forest Fairey; and Xia Benton.

He is also survived by three brothers Jim Fairey of Clemson, S.C., Mike Fairey of Orangeburg, S.C. and David Fairey of Henderson, N.C.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2014 in the Saluda United Methodist Church, Saluda, with Rev. Rob Parsons officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marion’s honor to the Marketing Association of Rehabilitation Center “Personal Achievement Award,” an award given to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have obtained extraordinary achievement.

Donations can be sent to MARC, Inc. c/o Noel Watts, 134 Wright Brothers Way, Fletcher, N.C., 28732.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel