Joe Marina
Obituary
Jose Ramon Marina passed away peacefully after an extended illness on May 05, 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was best known as Tulsa's premier Honda dealer and Honda International board member. He came to work for lifelong friend, Toly Arutunoff, in 1976. In 1983 he became managing partner of Automobiles of Italy/AI Honda later known as Joe Marina Motors.
Joe was born on July 5, 1944 in Nashville TN and attended Vanderbilt University majoring in electrical engineering. He also served in the armed forces as an MP. At this time his love for cars developed holding the record for 4 cylinder sportscars at Union Hill drag strip in a Morgan. He also raced an Alfa Romeo Spyder in SCCA and Sebring. His most notable quote which his friends never let him live down from the 24 hours of Daytona was telling his young co-driver, Danny Sullivan, that his chances of becoming an Indy driver were pretty slim. Sullivan went on to win The Indianapolis 500 3 years later. Joe's need for speed also extended to piloting his own plane, a Cessna turbo 210.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Ann Warren and is survived by her son Paul and wife Tarajean Warren and "grandson" Gavin along with Nashville lifelong friends, Tommy Dews, Ed Spurlock, and Gere Carter. Joe's ashes will find their home in Hawaii, his part-time home and favorite place on earth.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Great high school memories with Joe. That ‘58 Chevy convertible was a hoot at the drag strip even if he never won. He will be well remembered.
Rob Johnson
Dear Paul, Having read of Joes passing in this Sundays paper I learned of your mothers passing as well. I want you to now that I am sorry to hear of your loss. Ann was a kind and sweet woman. I enjoyed caring for her on numerous occasions, helping her get to therapy sessions, cleaning her home, and even unpacking and setting up the home they lived in on Irvington. We had some good conversations and enjoyed many laughs. Your son Gavin was born at the same time our own grandchild was born and Ann loved to talk about Gavin and show me pictures. Joe as well shared some “words of wisdom” a time or two when I would come in to set up their home for the holidays. I appreciated them both. I am praying for each of you that the Lord God would be your comfort and encouragement in life. If there is ever anyway that I can help you, I would be glad to. May the Lord be your peace, Marti Miller
Martha (Marti) Miller
Ben and I are saddened by the news of Joe’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him and Ann. We send our love and prayers.
Ben & Linda Heider