Marc (Marcus A.) Golczynski laid to rest

LEWISBURG — A family, community and brothers in arms came together Wednesday to grieve for U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Marcus Andrew ‘Marc’ Golczynski, 30, who was killed in Iraq last week.

Hundreds attended his funeral at the Church Street Church of Christ, sharing tears, laughter, song and prayer.

As Christian Golczynski, 8, accepted the flag from his father’s casket, tears flowed freely from the mourners. Even Marine Lt. Col. Ric Thompson, who presented the flag to the boy, showed a trace of emotion.

“My Marc made the sacrifice for my freedom,” said Heather Southward Golczynski, widow of the fallen Marine. “That is a debt I won’t ever be able to repay.”

Marc Golczynski, who had been a Marine Reservist for 12 years, was hit by enemy fire March 27 while on patrol in Al Anbar province, where he was stationed on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was assigned to the Marine Force Reserve Third Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Fourth Marine Division, in Nashville. He was awarded a Purple Heart at the service.

The Rev. John Sappenfield said a life given for others is the greatest gift.

“Marc gave his life for a cause he believed deeply in,” Sappenfield said.

As the funeral procession made its way through Lewisburg, dozens lined the streets, displaying flags and carrying signs of support and thanks for Golczynski and all of America’s military personnel.

“We’re here to show our support,” said Joel Mullins, who stood outside the church with a flag. “We want the families and the rest of the fighting men to know what we think of them.”

During the service, Heather Golczynski said her husband had been her hero and their son’s hero and that he would be missed.

“I find comfort from looking at Christian and seeing Marc reflected” in his son, she said.

Marc Golczynski was born in Georgia, grew up in Lewisburg, and lived and worked in Murfreesboro when not on duty.

“Even though I know what a thoughtful, fun and kind person my brother was, I’m still amazed at how many lives he has touched,” said Jon Golczynski.

He said his family was devastated by the loss of Marc, who had been expected to return home soon.

The family is also mourning the loss of Marc’s grandfather, who died Wednesday morning.

Jon Golczynski fondly recalled his brother ignoring his advice during his high-school years. “He always seemed to have his own plan,” Jon Golczynski said.
Rather than play football or baseball as the older brother recommended, Marc became a wrestler, marching band member and the Tiger mascot for Marshall County High School.

Jon Golczynski said he had talked to his brother in Iraq not long before his death and told his brother the same three things he always did.

“I miss you,” the brother said. “I love you. I couldn’t be more proud of you. We miss you and we love you, Marc.”

Golczynski is the fifth Rutherford County resident killed in the war, the fourth from his unit, the fifth from his battalion and the 70th service member from Tennessee to die.

From the Tennessean

Related Link:
Marcus A. Golczynski killed during combat operations