His Story

Marcus was a joy to anyone who had the privilege of meeting him. He was extremely kind, outgoing, smart, and funny. Marcus had an enormous personality and always wasable to bring a smile to the faces of his family and friends. Some would even say that Marcus was the “life of the party” in any room that he walked in. Whether Marcus was playing sports or spending time with his loved ones, he was one of the most fun and kindhearted individuals that anyone could have the opportunity to be around. Marcus was often times found saying the following phrase, “Smile more, think less”. Marcus truly embodied this phrase and helped others live it out whether or not they were facing hard times. Simply put, Marcus was a blessing to anyone he met. His smile and laugh were contagious. You could not help but be happy around Marcus. Marcus was an accomplished high school student-athlete and had aspirations of competing at the collegiate level. He excelled in soccer, track and field, and football. Originally a Georgia native, Marcus began his high school career at South Effingham High School in Guyton, Georgia. There, he was a member of the soccer, track and field, and football teams. In 2016, Marcus moved to Harrodsburg, Kentucky where he attended Mercer County Senior High School. At Mercer, Marcus was also a member of the varsity soccer and track and field teams. In the 2016-2017 school year, Marcus helped lead theMercer County track team to its second state championship. Marcus also helped theMercer County soccer team make three consecutive appearances in the Kentucky state championship tournament. In that time, Marcus also helped lead Mercer County’s soccer team to two region championships. During Marcus’s senior year of high school, he enlisted and achieved the rank of Private in the Kentucky National Guard. Marcus also applied and was accepted to Western Kentucky University where he had plans to pursue a degree in pre-dentistry. Ultimately, Marcus’s goals were to complete his undergraduate studies, attend dental school, and become an orthodontist while serving his country. Marcus knew that he wanted tobecome an orthodontist at a very early age. He had braces throughout his childhood, and attributed the confidence that he had during his teenage years due to his orthodontist giving him a smile that he could be proud of. Unfortunately, however, Marcus did not get the opportunity to achieve the goals that he had set for himself. On May 4, 2019, just a few weeks before his high school graduation, Marcus sustained fatal injuries in a car accident while he was on his way to Richmond, Kentucky for National Guard drill. The lives of his family and friends were forever changed on that fateful day. This foundation was created not only to honor Marcus’s legacy, but also to help those who are currently enrolled or aspire to attend dental school. Although Marcus never got the opportunity to become an orthodontist, Marcus would have taken great joy in helping others in their journey to becoming dental professionals. This foundation is a testament to him. So, in the words of our dear Marcus, “Smile more, think less”, and “Do what makes you happy.”