Honoring Ron Marshall

Coach Ron “Moose” Marshall, age 66 of Christiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 5, 2024 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro. Born Ronald Lee Marshall, Jr. November 23, 1957, in Crestview, Florida, he was the son of the late Ronald Lee Marshall, Sr. and Mrs. Ethel Marie Burnett Marshall. His father being in the military and working for Cowan & Company, caused their family to relocate multiple times throughout his childhood. Ron attended over 22 elementary schools growing up. Eventually, the family moved to Gordonsville, TN when his father took a job with the New Jersey Zinc Mine. As a young man he made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the Gordonsville First Baptist Church. Ron graduated from Gordonsville High School in 1976 where he excelled in his sport of football, playing for the legendary Turney Ford who was a dear friend and mentor. In High School he received all conference MVP, all region, all mid-state, and all state in football.

Ron went on to Middle Tennessee State University on a full scholarship and started as a freshman as defensive tackle for the Blue Raiders and lettered three years. He was proud of the fact that twice in one game he would sack the future Super Bowl MVP, Phil Sims. Ron graduated from MTSU with a BS degree in Physical Education. While at MTSU he met the love of his life, Debra Dement, and the couple was married July 1, 1978. After graduating college Ron began his teaching and coaching career in Rutherford Co. at Riverdale High School where he helped start the freshman program, then to Central Middle School as defensive coordinator. Leaving Rutherford schools he went on to coach in Sumner Co. at Westmoreland High School taking the team to the state Semi-Finals. Ron then accepted the Defensive Coordinator position at Lebanon High School where his defense held the record for the most shutouts in a single season. For a brief time he coached at Smyrna High School until he later returned to Lebanon High School as Head Football Coach and then to Oakland High School for a stint. That led him to accept the job at his Alma Mater in Smith County, coaching the Gordonsville Tigers. Coach Marshall would lead the Tigers to the State Championship in 2012. Nearing the end of his career he returned to Oakland High School, helping lead the Patriots to the State Championship title in 2018.

Of all of the awards, trophies, accolades, and accomplishments, his most prized title was that of Dad and Papaw. Ron was a family man. He loved his family very much, and cherished every opportunity he had with them. The Marshall’s enjoyed traveling and going on trips together. Ron was an avid movie enthusiast and could often be found with the kids and grandkids watching movies on the big screen at a local theater. Ron belonged to the Middle TN Flyers Club, TACA (Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association), and the National Bee Keepers Association. He also loved the Lord Jesus Christ and didn’t mind sharing his faith with anyone. Ron was a member of Rocky Valley Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN where he served faithfully, even singing in the choir in Christmas and Easter presentations. Coach Marshall has been described by many as a “gentle giant”, a good and loving man, someone who will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Sarah Emmaline “Emmy” Marshall.

He is survived by his wife of forty six years, Debra Dement Marshall; children, David Lee (Jeri) Marshall and Christy Marshall (Trey) Amsler; grandchildren: Lily & Mathis Marshall; mother, Ethel Burnett Marshall; mother in law, Marie Dement Henley; and fur baby, Maverick; sister, Rhonda (Barry) Meredith; and brother, Richard Marshall.

A Celebration of Life Service for Coach Ron “Moose” Marshall will be held at 6:00 P.M. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Rocky Valley Baptist Church, 5745 Old Murfreesboro Rd. E, Lebanon, with Bro. Jason Mull officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. The 2012 State Champions of Gordonsville High School are requested to be honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall Grandchildren Education Fund by making checks payable to David or Jeri Marshall – Mail to 232 Grand Ave. Watertown, TN 37184.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon in charge of arrangements. (615) [phone redacted]

www.ligonbobo.com

Special Note:

We all love and appreciate our educators, the instructors and protectors of our children. Most people, unfortunately, also know that with the passing of a loved one come many expenses. This page is dedicated to helping the Marshall Family help deal with the horrific financial burdens that are thrust upon those that grieve. Teachers and those that provide child care and education can never possibly be compensated for all the value they bring to our collective lives. We can only hope to ease the transition into this new phase of life by honoring her husband, and her, by returning the interest in her life in this small, positive way.

June of 2001, Ron was diagnosed with cancer after having a rather serious fall. Through the love and support of friends, family and faith, he was able to overcome and persist in this world as a titan of personality and love to those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Unfortunately, Insurance companies are not kind when it comes to people who have pre-existing conditions, such as cancer.

The longevity of the marriage, joy that is apparent in their children, Christy and David, and their grandchildren Lily and Mathis, are a testament to the quality of the relationship. The impact of two dedicated public servants who have touched the lives of many children who are now adults is something that can only be measured by the depth of love and care that the community returns to them in their time of loss.

To quote our dear friend Christy:

"My parents have GREATLY impacted thousands of kids throughout their teaching careers...... I have heard SO many stories from old students/players about how my parents changed their lives for the better. They’re both so completely selfless. It’s one of the things I love the most about both of my parents."

If you choose to donate, and you have a story to tell, involving Ron or Debra, please consider sharing that story with everyone else. All funds will be managed and distributed by Christy, who is an admin for this page.