William "Bill" David Marmann, 78, of Chapin, SC died peacefully at home on Monday, November 7, 2022 with his wife by his side.

Born on August 10, 1944 in Cleveland, OH, he was a son of the late William and Pauline Marmann.

Bill served in the United States Army before joining the United States Merchant Marine. As a marine engineer, he worked in the engine room on all types of ships from the steam engine Victory Cargo Ships to a thousand-foot diesel container ships. Bill traveled the world and eventually settled in Washington, where he worked on the Washington State Ferries for eleven years before he retired in 1997. He was a member of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association throughout his Merchant Marine years.

Upon retirement, Bill along with his wife Debbie, continued to explore the world and experience life together. Their adventures include sailing, hiking, and camping. A highlight of their sailing journeys was the Coconut Milk Run through the South Pacific on their 42-foot sailboat Romance. They found camaraderie and tips through the people they met along the way and through the Seven Seas Cruising Association. They were always grateful for the many adventures that sailing brought them.

Bill was resourceful and disciplined when it came to accomplishing his goals. He loved an adventure and challenging himself, and Debbie, to experience all that they could. He was a genuinely happy person, a bit of a jokester, he loved talking and sharing stories with people he met along the way.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah "Debbie" A. Jehn; children, William Marmann (Ana) of NY and Laureen Clark of WA; and grandchildren, Isabella and Juliana Marmann and Summer and Bailey Clark. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Brenda.

Services for Bill will be held at a future time.

Memories and messages can be shared with Bill's family here on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Marmann family.