Marvin was born and raised in Harveyton, Kentucky, a coal camp in Perry county. Marvin Gullett was the son of Kelly Gullett and Goldie Patrick of Magoffin County. He married Maudie Eversole, daughter of James Eversole and Liza Couch.

He was completely self-educated and wrote poetry nearly all his life. He often wrote his poems on the back of his children's school assignments, demonstrating his resourcefulness and the hardships that his family faced as poor rural Appalachians. Marvin lived with a heart condition and mental illness that kept him from working so he found solace in literature and writing. 

He believed in a simpler way of life living off the land. He spoke of human rights, politics, tragedies, fantasies, and personal stories. He often highlighted the struggles he faced growing up in coal camps and philosophical discussions around poverty.