IRA WILSON MARSALIS, JR

Ira “Chip” Marsalis, Jr., 77, of Harwood, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of January 26, 2026, with his loving wife of 59 years by his side. Chip’s passing concludes a long battle with cancer and other complications linked to Agent Orange exposure he unknowingly suffered after volunteering for military service during the Vietnam War.

Born on August 20, 1948, in Sugar Land, Texas, to Ira and Margie Marsalis, Sr., Chip was known for his generous spirit, commitment to family, and silly songs that always kept his grandchildren entertained. An accomplished athlete in high school, Chip enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Gayle Stevens, in 1966.

After retiring from the Air Force, Chip resumed his career with Kmart. Originally hired as a temporary employee during the Christmas holiday rush when he was just a teenager, Chip worked his way up the corporate ladder. His highly respected 40-year career ultimately led to the position of Super K Regional Manager, where he was responsible for stores throughout the Southeastern United States.

In retirement, Chip and Mary settled in the country near Harwood, Texas, where they raised cows and goats. Chip developed a passion for creating beautifully handcrafted furniture from raw-cut cedar. For many years, he and Mary enjoyed selling their crafts at trade shows around the state. Chip also took tremendous pride in his grandchildren, and as their “Pop,” he built a legacy that will never be forgotten. Together, Chip and Mary shared 59 years of love, laughter, and enduring memories.

Chip is survived by his wife, Mary Marsalis; children, Tripp and Beth Marsalis, Jeff and Lisa Marsalis, and Ericka and Ray LaManna; grandchildren, Anthony, Hailey, Crystal, Trace, Brennen, and Emma; and great-grandchildren, Easton and Jensen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Margie Marsalis; brothers, Carl and Charlie; and sisters, Dolly and Shu-Shu.

Funeral Arrangements: 

A graveside service will be held on Friday January 30, 2026 at the Harwood Cemetery: 106 N Second St, Harwood, Texas, 78632 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following organizations:

Breakthrough T1D: Type 1 Diabetes: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2374.donation=form1&df_id=2374&mfc_pref=T

Friends of Gonzales Animal Shelter: https://fogascats.wixsite.com/cats/donate

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-now&sc_dcm=137187317214&sc_cid=kwp&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&ds_rl=1290690&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17681678597&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN5xa8ZoMsboca8JMKcF09E1n&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvtzLBhCPARIsALwhxdrpTgz-nMBwZTdoBl2Rq1HHNxzXLimajm8RCiZ9kXhm0XGi5CyiIkwaAnqPEALw_wcB 

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