Marcus D. Horne, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died Saturday, April 4, 2020.

Born October 5, 1963, in Savannah, Georgia, to Thelma and Fred Horne, he grew up in Hardeeville, South Carolina.

At just 18, Marcus joined Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah as an aircraft assembly technician. In parallel, Marcus joined the US Army Reserve and served as a tank driver for six years; all the while, and in his words "building the best aircraft in the world". Over the next 40 years, he established a reputation for always finding a solution. In his later years with Gulfstream, Marcus specialized in tackling unique manufacturing challenges, optimizing ergonomics and inspiring the next generation of Gulfstream employees; and he did it all while wearing his signature smile.

That smile caught the eye of fellow Gulfstream employee Vicki Horne, who became the love of Marcus' life. The two wed on July 5, 1985, and became an inseparable team, sharing both laughter and tears during their nearly 35 years of marriage.

Marcus was a noble, boot-wearing, sweet-tea drinker with a quick sense of humor. He loved listening to music, playing guitar and being with animals (particularly his mules). There was never a time he wasn't working on several "farmyard engineering" projects. To say Marcus was inventive is an understatement; he was as creative as he was joyful, and he always kept the neighbors guessing.

While Marcus never met a stranger and had many friends, he especially cherished the time with his best friend Clyde (on Clyde's farm). The two spent many weekends together tending to animals, repairing equipment and sharing laughs and mischief.

A devoted husband, Marcus dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Playful and fun-loving, Marcus always enjoyed "stirring up" the youngest children at family gatherings.

Marcus was preceded in death by his mother and father. Survivors include his wife Vicki Horne; son, Nathan and wife Stephanie; daughter, Amanda and husband Joey; daughter, Nikki and husband Lor; son, Ricky and wife Jen; son, Marcus. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Mark, Skyler, Chris, Caleb, Jacob, Sophia, Reese, Harmoney, Jake and Aubrey, and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Michele and Melissa and brother Rodney. He will be deeply missed by all of them.

A memorial service to honor his life will be held at a later date.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - Effingham Chapel