Dr. Michael Ralph Marshall

A distinguishing characteristic of Mike is that he could accomplish anything that he set his mind to. His unique ability to determine how to be successful, regardless of the task at hand, served him well throughout his professional and personal life. Those whom had the pleasure of knowing Mike could easily describe him in three simple words: honest, caring, and pragmatic.

To know Mike, was to love Mike.

Mike was born in Jackson, Tennessee but moved away for several years. His parents Ralph and Evelyn Marshall typically moved every 6-12 months due to Ralph’s occupation as a cartographer with the U.S Geological Survey. Due to this, Mike and his brother lived in numerous states until Mike began the eighth grade. One of Mike’s favorite childhood homes was a cabin in rural Maine. Mike truly loved to be outdoors. His love of fishing began there. In fact, it was Mike’s responsibility to catch fish for dinner for his family one night each week. This was when Mike decided that fishing suited him for sustenance and fine sport.

Prior to the beginning of the eighth grade, Mike’s parents decided he needed to remain in one place in order to achieve consistency in his education. Mike moved back to Jackson, TN.

and lived with his grandmother, whom he lovingly referred to as “ Big Mama”. She was a rock of stability for Mike as he attended Junior High and Jackson High School. Mike always spoke highly of the time spent at Jackson High School, of teachers like Margaret Shelton, his friends, and the time he spent as a Boy Scout. His Eagle Scout Distinction was one of his proudest accomplishments, and he so appreciated the mentoring of his Scout Leader, Dr. Williams. After graduating in 1963, he attended the University of Tennessee where he obtained a B. S. in Zoology.

Mike’s ambition since junior high school was to become a doctor. He attended the University of Tennessee Medical School and graduated in 1970. He then completed his rotating internship and OB/GYN residency at the City of Memphis and Baptist Hospitals. Upon completion of his residency, Mike entered the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to Offutt

Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. While serving his country, Mike also became a clinical instructor in OB/GYN at the University of Nebraska and Creighton University Schools of Medicine. After being honorably discharged in 1976, Mike began practicing medicine in Memphis. His professional career lasted 35 years.

Mike loved his patients and loved helping people. He loved practicing medicine. The pinnacle of his medical practice came from his ability to care for others in a time of need. His intellect, dedication, and human compassion were a credit to him and his profession.

In classic Mike fashion, he retired on April Fool’s Day. He truly enjoyed retirement and found meaningful ways to spend his time. Until his death, he volunteered at Church Health where he provided care to women and mentored aspiring health professionals. He also treasured the time he spent volunteering with Project Healing Waters at the Memphis VA hospital. Mike truly respected and admired the veterans he taught to tie flies, wrap rods, and fish.

He also found time to fish, read, and travel. He and Sammy enjoyed fishing in the Ozarks, visiting National Parks, and spending time with family. After traveling to Normandy with some friends and World War II Veterans, he also became interested in the good work done by the organization, Forever Young.

Dr. Mike Marshall was born January 30, 1945 in Jackson, TN. to Ralph and Evelyn Marshall.

He is survived by his wife, Sammy Ann Marshall of Germantown, his children John Marshall (Julie), of Littleton, Colorado, Stephanie Mather of St. Catharines, Ontario, Melissa Grimes (Tom), and Tate Conrad (Hilary Anne) of Memphis, and his brother David Marshall (Debbye) of Carrollton, Texas and his seven grandchildren: Zach and Cooper Marshall, Ben Mather, Ann and Betsy Grimes, and Bay and Clemens Conrad.

A service will be held on Thursday, January 18 at 11 am at the Fed-Ex Event Center at Shelby Farms at: 415 Great View Drive East, Memphis. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers one may send a memorial to:

Church Health, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, or Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., designated for Memphis VA