When Harold Harvey moved to Dalton in 1993 from Maryland, he had no idea he was about to meet his own personal angel.
Harvey’s mom attended Unity Baptist Church and introduced her son to the pastor, Larry R. Marlin, soon after Harvey arrived. She thought the world of Marlin because he helped take care of her. Soon Harvey grew fond of him, too.
After his mom passed away, Harvey was left alone with no family in the area. He was also facing growing health problems of his own — leukemia, neuropathy, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, macular degeneration and a spinal disorder. It wasn’t long before Harvey found himself spiraling into a deep depression.
That’s when Marlin stepped in.
Whatever Harvey needs help with, he says Marlin is there … asking nothing in return. He does laundry, drives Harvey to his doctor’s appointments, takes him to the grocery store, makes sure the bills get paid, takes out trash and helps care for Harvey’s cat, Squeaky. Marlin and his two teenage sons also helped Harvey move and are planning to do some spring cleaning in the next couple of months.
Harvey, 67, is amazed and says he isn’t the only church member Marlin helps.
“He has an extra car that he lets members borrow if they need it,” said Harvey. “He’s a wonderful pastor. His wife, Angela, is really nice, too.”
Harvey isn’t sure if he can repay Marlin for his continued good deeds, but he’s going to try.
“He’s in my will,” Harvey said. “He and his family are also the beneficiaries on my life insurance policy.”
For helping his congregation in numerous ways beyond the pulpit, The Daily Citizen names Larry R. Marlin Citizen of the Week.
Editorials
January 23, 2009
Citizen of the Week: Larry R. Marlin
- Editorials
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An overreaction to Dalton’s senior prank
We wish the story about a senior prank by Dalton High School students gone awry had never made it into the newspaper.
Continued ... - Congratulations to all graduates
- Citizen of the Week: Jacqueline Hudson
- Voters should be wary of state’s promises
- Don’t let elections end this week
- May 19, 2012
- Citizens of the Week: Salvation Army Advisory Board volunteers
- May 18, 2012
- Help make local charity events a success
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- Dalton school board sends good news
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- Citizen of the Week: John Patrick
- May 10, 2012
- School employees need dress code
- May 6, 2012
- Criminal justice reform makes sense
- May 5, 2012
- Citizens of the Week: Career fair organizers and supporters.
- May 4, 2012
- Healthcare classic supports a good cause
- May 3, 2012
- Theft of signs a disturbing trend
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An overreaction to Dalton’s senior prank
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