Robert A. Marshall

Robert Arthur Marshall, age 93, of Young Harris, Ga. passed away Saturday evening December 21, 2013 following many years dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Robert's parents Golden Chesley Wright and Frank Johnson Marshall were born and raised in Towns County Georgia but moved to Copper Hill, Tennessee for work. Robert was a twin born on October 5th, 1920 in Ducktown, Tennessee. He eventually had three sisters and three brothers making seven children in the family all of which preceded him in death. From oldest to youngest they were Louise M. Puett, Thelma M. Norton, Robert and his twin Gladys, Glenn and his twin Guinn, and Ray. His twin sister Gladys died when she was three years old. At age 9 The Great Depression started and the family moved back to live near family on Crooked Creek Road and later in Young Harris during Robert's high school years where he graduated as Senior Class President.

After graduation Robert joined the north Georgia CCC in 1940, he moved back to Ducktown with his parents and worked for the TVA. In 1942 Robert joined the Army and served in North Africa and Italy usually as a carpenter building base camps with barracks, cafeterias and latrines before the companies arrived during World War II. Discharged in 1945 he worked in Tennessee until 1948 when he bought a farm on Crooked Creek Road, Young Harris. Robert married Dora Moreland in 1950 and they had two children Terry Lynne and Paul Bob. He ran a dairy and did carpentry work the rest of his life. Robert built a new home for the family in 1960 and lived there until his death. In 1987 he retired from the dairy and in 1997 his son Bob died who was also buried on Christmas Eve.

As a young man Robert was eager to attend farming schools and used innovative farming practices in his successful dairy. He was an avid family historian writing his autobiography and creating a book of ancestors to which he added memories of his older relatives to pass on to future generations. Robert accepted Christ later in life but did not attend church regularly. He was very shy and preferred to do things quietly not making a show of his generosity. He had a good heart and helped people in the community when there was a need. He was raised in Old Brasstown Baptist Church and the members were always very dear to him. He was buried beside his parents and near his grandparent's graves.

Visitation started at 10:30 AM and funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on the 24th at Old Brasstown Baptist Church, Hwy. 66, Young Harris. Music was provided by the church choir and Reverend Billy Stiles delivered a moving tribute to Robert as a fellow dairy farmer. Cochran Funeral Home arranged for the North Georgia Honor Guard to attend. The Military Honors, gun salute and flag ceremony reminded the congregation of the great sacrifice veterans make for our country. Afterward the church provided a generous meal for friends and family as they shared their favorite memories about Robert.

Robert is survived by his daughter Terry Lynne, ex-wife Dora Moreland and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The Cochran Funeral Home website www.cochranfuneralhomes.com is accepting memories about the life of a courageous veteran, local historian and farmer that lived a long and prosperous 93 years that saw enormous change in the past two centuries. Donations in Robert Marshall's name can be made to Whiskers Project, PO Box 575, Blairsville, GA 30514, a feral cat spay/neuter group or to Truett-McConnell College, 100 Alumni Dr., Cleveland, GA 30528. The family wishes to thank all the friends and family for their support during this time of loss.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee