Obituary
Robert (Tank) Marshall was born on June 28, 1922 in Cumberland County, VA to his adoptive parents Mr. and Mrs. Wirt and Betsy Marshall both of whom are deceased. He had one adoptive sister also deceased, Nina Simmons.
Robert dropped out of high school to enlist in the United States Army during WWII where he was stationed in the South Pacific. While there, he spent time boxing throughout the Philippines Island, Papua New Guinea and Australia where he earned the nickname “Tank” and was awarded the United States Army 1944 Golden Glove champion. After his enlistment he returned to complete his senior year of high school (Armstrong High School) where he played football and lettered. He continued his education and football career at VA Union University.
Robert spent the majority of his life working with the youth throughout Richmond, VA. He was instrumental in bringing the sport of boxing to the city of Richmond which he used as a tool for desegregation during the late 60s. He had the honor of Cassius Clay “aka Mohammad Ali”, visiting his boxing gym during his tour throughout the south promoting the sport of boxing.
On January 26, 2017, he passed away peacefully at Mary Washington Hospital surrounded by family.
He is preceded in death by his elder son Roland Trent Marshall. He is survived by his wife Barbara L. Marshall, four sons (Norville, Cullen Sr., Lynn and Kelvin), three daughters (Melissa, Rosalia and Linda), 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Service
Owens Funeral Service. (Fredericksburg)
Tuesday February 7th, 2017
10:00am
1808 Princess Anne Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
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Dashawn Marshall lit a candle for Robert Lee Marshall
Dashawn Marshall lit a candle on Feb 7 2017 09:42:01 PM
LaVonne McDowell lit a candle for Robert Lee Marshall
LaVonne McDowell lit a candle on Feb 7 2017 08:53:43 PM
Dear Granddaddy
You will only be missed by the flesh, for you will always be in my heart. You were a good granddad, I enjoyed watching Western movies with you. Grandmother was so sad today, for she will really miss you because you were her world. I pray and hope I will follow you guys foot steps and be with my hubby forever just like the two of you. Thank you for setting that example for me. Granddaddy thank you for giving me your boxing strength to deal with this world. I know I'm just passing through living in this world, but not of this world. Until we meet again on the other side, please check on me from time to time to " keep me on my toes". I will miss you and continue to pose for you while you take pictures of me from heaven.
-LaVonne DeAntionette Marshall McDowell
Submitted by LaVonne McDowell on Feb 7 2017 08:53:08 PM
Lee and Family, praying that God will uplift your spirits and strentghen your hearts with wonderful memories.
~Tina Woolfolk, Sister-in-law
Submitted by Tina Young Woolfolk on Feb 6 2017 06:01:47 PM
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