John Henry Markley, III

John Henry Markley, III, 81 passed away Monday, September 13, 2021.  Visitation will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 10:00 am until the 11:00 Funeral Service.

“ I feel, sometimes, as the renaissance man must have felt in finding new riches at every point and in the certainty that unexplored areas of knowledge await at every turn. “ 

                                        Polycarp Kusch

Anyone who had the pleasure of spending but a fraction of time with John will wholeheartedly agree, he was a remarkable man and a truly unique individual. His childlike curiosity and charismatic demeanor gave him the ability to relate to and take interest in anyone that he came in contact with. 

We all have far fetched dreams that come at a whim, “I really would like to - , I think I’ll learn how to – “, that shortly burn out and we lose sight of at the first sign of commitment or risk. John also was a dreamer, but with one key difference, he turned his dreams and ambitions into reality and rarely let them burn out. When something garnered his attention he pursued it, studied it, and embodied it full force. He held a Captain’s License and enjoyed anything that could travel the water's surface, owning multiple boats over his lifetime. Off of the water he was a captain of industry and pioneer of the development of numerous modern home improvement centers in South Africa and all over the US. He had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He was a CEO, a realtor, a contractor, a dancer, an entertainer and a storyteller. He could plan take – offs, read blueprints, design kitchens and bathrooms, and operate CAD. He managed construction and remodeling projects. John’s life’s work was multifaceted to say the least and he embodied what it truly means to be a renaissance man.

Above all, John loved his friends and family. His wife, Nancy, was the love of his life and he was able to show he cared in so many ways. He was always the guy anyone could seek council with knowing that he would give his full attention, point out the humor in the situation, and give sound heartfelt advice. His love and appreciation did not only rest with humans but with animals alike. He and Nancy owned many beloved pets throughout their life together, and THEY truly loved HIM. Some would even say he was an animal whisperer of sorts and understood them on a personal level. We are all so thankful for his love, wisdom, and guidance. He was a very gentle soul. The love he showed for those around him was unsurpassed, and his picture perfect example of dignity and loyalty will not be forgotten. We love you, John Markley. 

Mr. Markley was preceded in death by: father, John Henry Markley, Jr; step father, Robert Bruce Ivory; mother, Mary Barnes Ivory; sister, Kathy Ivory; and grandson, Justin Markley.

Survivors include: wife of 31 years, Nancy Noble Markley; children, Jeanne Anguiano (Juan), Jay Markley (Samija), Christi Forant (Bill), Karra Markley (Kris), and Josh Guilliams (Cori); brother, Randy Markley (Katie); brothers-in-law, John Noble (Erin) and Arthur Noble (Laurie); grandchildren, Jenna Markley, Talon Hart, Jonathan Markley, Jordan Markley, Henry Forant, J. J. Guilliams, Kristy Guilliams, Steven Guilliams, Amer Ajanic, and Aldijana Ajanic; great-grandchildren, Estrella, Valentina, and Dublin Markley; nieces and nephews, Brooks Noble (Trish), Lacey Noble Higbee (Chase), Matt Noble, and Katie Noble (Andrew); great niece, Avery Higbee; nephews, Todd and Michael Markley; and numerous cousins and life-long friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Webster Animal Rescue; 525 Post Oak Road; Madison, MS 39110 and Sacred Heart Catholic Church Ladies Society, 238 East Center Street, Canton, MS 39046..

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Henry Markley, III, please visit our floral store.