Burwell, Marlon S.

Marlon Savarre Burwell, 72 of Christiansburg, VA, passed away Sunday, September 07, 2025. He was born on October 20, 1952, to John Thomas & Ophelia Burwell.

Slug, yes, that’s exactly how he got the name, spent his earlier years in Ballyhack, VA. As a young man, he loved muscle cars, gun collecting, & entertaining family.

Slug lived in Hardy, VA for many years, where he & his wife raised their family. Imagine the Brady Bunch+, station wagon included. If you needed a home, his door was always open. He did not see blood or water, black or white, real or step, whole or half. If he loved you, you were family. And, if you were family, he was a protector & provider.

Later, he retired from the City of Roanoke & moved to Christiansburg, VA. Despite medical & personal trials, he continued to put family first. Yet, he lived his life at the beat of his own drum, to say it lightly. He did what he wanted & did what he said.

After the death of his wife, he focused on honoring her with his sobriety. He spent his last years regaining his independence & staying sober. He enjoyed politics, attending his AA meetings, & telling his “I remember this one time” stories. He became a gun enthusiast again, bonding with his son & grandsons through a shared interest.

He was proud of himself, just as we all were so proud of him. It was an honor to know him & a privilege to call him dad, granddad, brother, uncle, cousin, or friend.

We will miss his cunning ways, the dry humor, sarcasm, & wittiness. The sound of his chuckle. The sight of his side eye, followed by profanity or “big dummy.” So many small, yet big things. But, if he could, I know he would say do not mourn for me. In Heaven, there are no medicine organizers or ventilator, no long hose following him, no lugging around oxygen tanks, & no fluid buildup. He’s surrounded by loved ones; he’s smiling & happy. Do you see him? Can’t you see? As hard as this may be, our daddy, he is finally free.
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A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, 2:00PM at Serenity (126 Gilmer Ave location). The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Friends may also visit Serenity (5214 Airport Rd location) on Friday from 2-5PM for viewing. Arrangements by Serenity Funeral Home & Cremation Service