Final Salute

Chief Warrant Officer 4 William L. Marr; CBPAC, 31NCR, 103NCB, MCB 3, 5, 9, 40, age 94, Naval and SeaBee Battalion veteran, beloved father and friend, passed away in his home on November 27, 2024.

Born in New York City, NY, the son of George and Helene Marr, he is survived by his daughters, Linda and Joy, and son Ed, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His 30 year career as a Naval Construction Battalion leader took him (and sometimes his family), around the world, where he garnered many citations, commendations and awards for his outstanding contributions to the Military.

Beginning as an enlisted man in 1948 and moving through Warrant Officer Candidate School to become a Commissioned Warrant Officer (1968) — at an accelerated pace — belies his exceptional proficiency and well noted leadership in his field.

Awards earned during his career include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (5x), National Defense Medal (2x), Republic of Vietnam Unit Citations (with palm), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, among others, culminating in his retirement from MCB 40 in 1978.

For the majority of his naval career, he and the family were stationed at the Naval base in Port Hueneme, California — the same port he started his career as an Enlisted man, and where he took his final orders finishing his career.

His service was rounded out with orders to Hawaii, Rhode Island and Rota, Spain — with his family in tow. When not on deployment with his battalion, he and the family spent their time camping, traveling throughout the state and visiting relatives on both coasts.

Bill (as he was known), spent his time post retirement working for large industry and still traveling the world (working for Litton Ind. in Saudi Arabia), continuing relationships forged during his career and spending time with his growing family.

His final retirement was to a property he purchased in 1978 in the high desert of California. This is where he spent the remainder of his many days in his home in Bear Valley Springs — in a house he designed and had built — in a community whose company he enjoyed.

He was known as a quiet guy to the neighbors but built several caring relationships in the community, sharing his time between the Mulligan Room and the Oaks Dining room at the BVS Club.

He will be dearly and truly missed by all, and remembered as a generous and supportive father, a good neighbor and a man of quiet humor to his remaining friends and family. Memorial services are to be held at time to be decided.