Marc Safley Obituary, Death – On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, Dr. John Marcus Safley passed away in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his devoted family members. In Milan, Tennessee, on January 4, 1947, Marc was brought into the world by his parents, Gladys Williams Safley and John Marcus Safley. Later, the family made their home in Nashville, Tennessee, where Marc attended Hillwood High School until he graduated in 1964. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Vanderbilt University, Marc went on to earn his Master of Arts in Botany in 1968 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Plant and Soil Sciences in 1974, both of which were earned respectively from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Marc is a die-hard Commodore.
In 1974, Marc started his professional life working for the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in the state of Tennessee. In 1978, Marc relocated his family to Washington, DC so that he could begin working at the national headquarters of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Over the course of his career, Marc has held a variety of positions within the NRCS, including those of Acting Director and Assistant Director of the Ecological Sciences Division, National Agro Ecologist, Natural Resource Database Manager, Environmental Specialist, Program Analyst, USDA Drought Coordinator, and Resource Conservationist.
He published pieces for academic journals, book chapters, and publications, as well as studies of public policy, environmental assessments, and impact statements. It was an honor for him to serve on a number of task groups for the USDA and NCRS, and he was also a member of delegations that traveled to Central Europe, India, South Africa, and Japan. In addition, Marc was a contributor to the drafting of six Farm Bills between the years 1985 and 2008, as well as a number of other special initiatives that were of national and worldwide significance.
Marc was recognized for his leadership and the successful incorporation of ecological ideas into NRCS conservation policy, which earned him a number of honors. In addition, Marc was an active member of a large number of organizations and professional groups, one of which was the Soil & Conservation Society. After working for the Association of Retired Conservation Service Employees for a total of 13 years prior to his retirement in 2008, Marc served as their Senior Conservationist Chronicler.
Marc was one of those people who never met a stranger, and he was adored by everyone who knew him. Faith, kindness, wisdom, compassion, an attentive ear, a quick wit, and all of these things will be remembered about him. He treasured the time he spent with his loved ones and was always excited to see old pals. Marc’s involvement in his church was extensive, and he served on a number of different committees there. He served as the leader of the Worship Ministry as well as a teacher of Sunday School for many years. Marc had always been a baritone, and he enjoyed singing in the choir very much. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Marc is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kendrick Riley Safley; his daughter, Rachel Williams (Brad), of Dallas, Texas; his son, Jim Safley (Christiann), of Arlington, Virginia; his grandchildren, Courtney Williams, Ryan Williams, and Ursa Safley; his sister, Mary Montgomery (Richard), of Fayetteville, Tennessee; and a large number of loving nieces and nephews.