Eddie Marcy, Tuskegee Airman passes
One of our ninjas send us the sad news that Tuskegee Airman, Eddie Marcy has passed at the tender age of 96.
On Friday, as his children gathered to mourn him, one thing that struck them was that their dad, an honest, humble man — whose first real job was as a coal miner in Virginia — didn’t reveal that he was a Tuskegee Airman until eight or nine years ago.
“He didn’t talk about it,” his son, Dwain Fennoy, said Friday. “He would just say he was in Italy. I was very much surprised.”
“I was astonished,” said his daughter, Jevita Terry of Rocky Mount, N.C. “It was just a feeling of great joy and pride.”
She surmised that her dad “didn’t think his job was more important than anyone else who served. He was proud of what he did. He was proud of who he was. But he didn’t see it as anything so great or greater than anyone else who served his country. One thing he wasn’t, and that was haughty. He was a proud man, but never haughty.”
Marcey wasn’t a pilot, which is why he didn’t show up on my roster, but he was a fueler. After the war, Eddie went on to a 30-year career with Chrysler – the career he discussed more with his children than his war time experiences. The historian for the Airmen verified to me that Eddie worked with them.
Reading about folks’ memories of Eddie, I think he and I would have got along real well.
Category: We Remember
Rest in peace, elder brother-in-arms. Rest in peace.
Thank you for service Mr. Marcy but it is now time to fly with angels.
RIP
The story about Mr. Marcy in the link in the story says a lot about the man and what kind of character he had. Plus, anyone that has a friend nicknamed “Swine” has to be a pretty good guy!
There’s obviously lots of love between Mr. Marcy and his family and I agree with Jonn…I think I would have gotten along well with him too.
Rest in peace Mr. Marcy. Thank you for your service is a time which was very difficult for you. God bless your family now Sir.
Thanks for your service, Mr. Marcy… and may you rest in peace.
“On Friday, as his children gathered to mourn him….” Based upon what I read in the article, I’d have to disagree. His life was celebrated by his family. It was a long life. It was a rich life. He was part of something great and he lives on in his children who are rightfully proud of their Dad. As for the jet-fuel jockey business, I would say that Marcy’s role was quite a dangerous one. He was stationary with a truck full of gas and an enemy round didn’t threaten his continued existence, something as simple as static electricity did. Rest in Peace, Eddie Marcy. And thanks.
So few of these great Americans are left among us. The passing of each one seems more sad as time goes by. These were some of the most patriotic and honorable veterans in US history.
RIP, sir. You more than earned it. Peace to your family.
A humble man who didn’t embellish his wartime contribution … quite unlike so many others talked about on this site. Thank you, sir, for your service. I am forever in your debt.
“Where do we get such men—–” I don’t know for sure; but we get them when we need them. Thank You (and your family) Mr.
Please add Marcy to my last.
Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.
Rest Well Sir ! ! ! !
Thank You For Your Service…..
Salute””””’
Aircraft without fuel are very pretty, sitting there on static display. They’re also pretty useless. Thank you for your service during difficult times, Mr. Marcy. You’ve certainly earned your rest.
I am always amazed when I read stories of the Tuskegee Airmen (or any black man or woman who served) that despite how they were treated at home, they still loved this country and stepped up to the plate when needed.
Rest in peace, sir.
“…despite how they were treated at home, they still loved this country and stepped up to the plate when needed.”
True patriots, every one. Rest in Peace Mr. Marcy, Rest in Peace.
The Tuskegee Airmen was very select group of Pilots. They had the very cream of Educated. Fit, Dedicated African Americans to pick from. Because of that, they were very picky in who got their wings.
I’ve read that the selection process was much harder than that of White Pilots
It stands to reason that the enlisted support element would have been selectred the same way. Mr Marcy was selected because he was a top notch Soldier(Airman) and man.
RIP sir.
Flights of Angels, Mr. Marcy.
Off you go, into the wild blue yonder…
Rest in peace.
RIP, sir.