Kirk Mariner

Kirk Chapman Mariner died June 8, 2017, at his home in Onancock, Va. He was 74.

He was born in New Church, Va. on June 4, 1943, the son of Vincent and Beatrice Chapman Mariner. He graduated from Atlantic High School (1961) and Randolph-Macon College (1965), and prepared for the ministry at Yale Divinity School, graduating in 1968.  He later obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1979.

He was for 37 years a full-time itinerant minister to the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, in which he served six churches: Hopewell (Chesterfield), Dulin (Falls Church), Centreville, Church of the Good Shepherd (Vienna), Mount Olivet (Arlington), and Williamsburg.  Upon retirement in 2005 he moved to Onancock, where he worshiped regularly at Market Street United Methodist Church.

He will be remembered by some as a musician, having studied piano for eight years and performed, singing and playing the piano or both, for countless audiences (the first of which was at Keller Fair when he was six years old).

He was an avid student of history, both ancient and modern, and was the author of numerous books and articles on the history of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Intelligent, witty, and charming, he was an engaging conversationalist who had the grace to know when to listen.  He was a good friend to neighbor and stranger alike, generous with his time and with his knowledge of the Eastern Shore’s past. He was as meticulous in his housekeeping as in his historical research.  His home and garden were showplaces.  He loved the church, his family and friends, and the Eastern Shore.  The Shore has lost a native son.

He is survived by brother and sister, Vincent Mariner, Jr. (Carol) of Painter, Va., and Kathie Mariner Herrick (Mark) of New Church, Va., and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A viewing will be on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Market Street United Methodist Church, 75 Market Street in Onancock.  His funeral will be held at the church on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  Following food and fellowship, burial will be at Union Greenbackville Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to:  Lighthouse Ministries, 18317 N R North Street, Keller, VA  23401, Foodbank of the Eastern Shore, P.O. Box 518, Onley, VA  23418, Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1299, Exmore, VA  23350, or a charity of your choice.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.