Willard Marshall, Jr.

On January 5, 1952, Willard Marshall was born to parents Willard (Sr) and NeAlice Marshall in Perrine, Florida. After graduating in 1970 from Miami Northwestern Senior High School (Miami,FL), he began a life  dedicated to  service and family. After attending the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) (1970 - 1973) Willard embarked on the ultimate sacrifice and proudly served in our nation’s Air Force from 1973 - 1976. During this time, he attended the University of Delaware (Newark) before returning to the southeast in 1977. Here, Willard would earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Fort Valley State College (Fort Valley, GA) in 1980. During his time as a student at FVSC, Willard would meet the everlasting blossom of love within his life, Celessie Marshall. They would be unified in the most holy of matrimony on May 10, 1980, upon the stately grounds of the late Millard and Rosie Ross.         
For nearly three decades, Willard worked as a Quality Analyst for the multinational tobacco corporation Brown & Williamson. Among other business ventures and explorations, he would continue to lend his services and expertise throughout the community as a youth league basketball coach, educator, entrepreneur, deacon board member, and member of the finance committee at White Hill Baptist Church. Additionally, he would work to provide essential services to individuals with disabilities served by Southern Choices throughout the greater Middle Georgia area. A renaissance handyman at heart, Willard would build a workshop in his backyard dubbed the “man cave”, where he spent time building and working on various projects. He also enjoyed traveling, reading, grilling, and tailgating during Fort Valley State University homecoming celebrations.      

Among his many accomplishments and endeavors, Willard’s devotion and allegiance were never more evident than his profound eternal love for his family as a father and husband. His sedulous care for his three sons, Motiere (Marsha), Quahnkatiere (Britney), and Azikiwe was a fire that burned brighter than any and is a testament to his zeal for familial values. Along with his lovely wife Celessie Marshall, they will continue to remember his eternal spirit and presence after his earthly transition on December 15, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Marshall, Sr, sister Bonnie Marshall and mother Nealice Marshall (2023). His memory and legacy will be cherished by his children as well as his grandson, Jeremiah, three granddaughters Moriah, Iris, and Quinn, brother Robert Marshall, devoted nephews and nieces Antonio and Tawanda, Robert Jr., and Khia, sisters-in-law Betty, Bessie, Mary, Earlene (Dave), Doris, and Zeretha (Bennie), brothers-in-law James (Ruby), Lonnie James, Leonard, Earl (Juanita), Allum (Melody), and WD (Eula), along with a host of other relatives, family, and friends.