Marvin James Bellah passed away the afternoon of May 14, 2026. Born February 22, 1957 in Muenchweiler, Germany to the late Lt Col James M Bellah and Lt Bessie (Coker) Bellah, Marvin enjoyed life as the youngest of a large family.

Most recently, he was a resident at Brookdale in Clinton, MS. Marvin previously resided in Brandon, MS and Hot Springs AR with his spouse, Phillip Goode. Marvin graduated from Byram Attendance Center and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. He enjoyed a long, successful career in the banking industry in Mississippi before retiring and moving to Hot Springs, AR.

An adventurer, his favorite travels included parts of the western US. particularly New Mexico and Arizona and many areas in Florida. In addition to travel, Marvin loved gardening; his particular interest was with perennial flowering plants; this hobby gave his residence(s) a stunning frame and gave his neighbors a pleasing view year -round. He loved music - he could sing along with any band, any song from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and was quite good with Big Band tunes as well.

Always quick with a smile, Marvin was likeable, witty, loyal, and fun-loving. To have a conversation with Marvin was to be challenged by his knowledge of many subjects, his ability to recall correctly past events and places in great detail, and his ability to creatively weave humor into his stories.

In the last two years of his life, his siblings and other caregivers were blessed to witness first-hand the strength and courage he demonstrated to battle the many debilitating issues brought on by stroke. Often, he was the encourager, the cheerleader, the positive, hardworking leader in his own struggle to embrace his new, difficult normal. The bravery with which he battled through every obstacle was not simply admirable, it was profound and inspiring.

Marvin was brave, witty, loving, fun, brilliant, kind, and strong, but above all else, he was loved.

Here’s an excerpt from one nephew’s reflection of his Uncle Marvin:

“Looking back, I see so much of him in who I am today. I do not know if he ever realized the impact he had on me, but his example, being direct, practical, unafraid to be himself, and grounded in that hard earned perspective, shaped me more than I probably ever told him.

Uncle Marvin’s life was not easy. He faced real challenges that were outside his control, yet he kept moving forward. He did not let anything hold him back. That resilience was part of who he was, and it is something I will carry with me. I am grateful for every memory, every conversation, and every bit of advice spoken or unspoken. Rest easy, Uncle Marvin. I loved you, and I will always be thankful you were my uncle.”

In addition to his parents, Marvin is predeceased by his spouse, Phillip Goode.

His survivors include his siblings, James, Jr. (Claudia) Bellah, Sharon (Rell) Webber, Lynn (Debbie) Bellah, Lester (Teresa) Bellah, and Vivian (David) Monistere; numerous nieces and nephews, David (Jamie) Bellah, Paul (Leigh) Bellah, Amy (Jason) Gabriel, Melissa (John D.) Hewitt, Kelly (Josh) Walker, Stephen (Adam) Bellah, Lorie (Jack) Brumfield, James Comans, Nelson (Mitra) Parrott, Robert Parrott; additionally there are 19 great nieces and nephews and 3 great-great nieces and nephews.