Marlon Gene Buff, 64, of Lexington, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was one of two sons of the late LTC Thomas W. Buff and Billie Jean Buff Manion. Affectionately called Marty, he was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

In 1974 Marty graduated from Leavenworth High School in Kansas, joined the Army shortly after and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. As a soldier he moved from Infantryman to a Signal Communications expert. While assigned in Korea, Marty met Chong Rae Yi, they married in 1978, and together they would raise their two children, Michelle and Tom. He would go on to become an instructor at the Army Computer Science School at Fort Gordon, Georgia. In 1993, Marty retired from the Army at the rank of SFC and he and his family settled in Lexington, South Carolina. Marty found his most rewarding civilian role serving as the IT Project Manager for Lexington County and in 2015 he reconnected with his high school crush, Christy Anne Cott, and they would marry in 2017.

Marty was known for his sense of humor, intellect, and patriotism. He was an extremely organized man who kept his office and personal items meticulously in order and free of clutter. When he wasn’t watching the news, you could find him watching football or listening to The Beatles. His military career and civilian roles in IT gave him a passion for technology and public service; he enjoyed science fiction with his favorite author being Isaac Asimov. Like his mother, he was known for speaking up for things he believed in. He loved to make his special spaghetti sauce and share home cooked meals with loved ones. He was an active member of Lexington Baptist Church and continuously worked on his relationship with God. Marty lived a full life and wanted his family to do the same. He was well respected in his community and will be sadly missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his father, LTC Thomas Buff; mother, Billie Jean Buff Manion; and his stepfather, Richard Manion.

He is survived by his wife, Christy Anne Buff; children, Michelle Buff, Thomas Buff; stepchildren, Joshua Shelton (Amanda), Heather Shelton, and Jacob Shelton (Carrie). He is also survived by his first wife and mother to their two children, Chong Rae Yi.

His grandchildren include Nasir Vincent, Raylanna Buff, Talon Buff, Ava Buff, Dana Shelton, Seth Reineke, Amara Shelton, Aubrey Shelton, Hazel Shelton, Hailey McAlister, Malachi McAlister, Olivia McAlister, Zoe Smith, Zypher Smith, Liam Shelton, Anabella Shelton, Juniper Shelton, Scarlet Shelton, and Hendrix Shelton.

A memorial service is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the Lexington Baptist Church on Main Street.

 A military honors ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family.

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