Thomas Elder Marshall, Jr.

Thomas Elder Marshall, Jr. Obituary

Thomas Elder Marshall, Jr., of Buford, GA, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on November 11, 1932, in Dayton, Ohio, to Thomas Elder Marshall and Emelyn Lyle Marshall, Tom lived a full and vibrant life marked by diverse passions, competitive spirit, and a love for family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Marshall, and his sisters Lynn Marshall and Patricia Mulligan, and niece Margaret Mulligan Knox. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Betsy) Cortelloni (Brent) and Emily Marshall Crabbe; former wife and close friend Elizabeth (Libby) Marshall; grandchildren Katelyn Cortelloni, Lucas Cortelloni, and Roxanne Crabbe; and cherished nieces and nephews Sara Mulligan, Patrick Mulligan, John Marshall, Liz Burnett, Tim Marshall, Rick Baumeister, and Debbie Burton.

Throughout his life, Tom was an avid hobbyist with a keen interest in a wide range of activities. As a young man, he was a natural athlete, competing in school wrestling, football, and track. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he played freshman football, and later studied at Michigan State University after serving in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958. Tom’s adventurous and competitive nature extended into his love for racing cars, hydroplanes, and motorcycles. Eventually, he channeled his energy into personal athletic events that included running, cycling, biathlons, and race walking—pursuits he enjoyed for over 40 years.

An animal lover, Tom had a particular passion for Alaskan Malamutes, which he bred and showed with pride, producing six champion dogs. His bond with animals remained strong throughout his life, and in later years, he found companionship with his favorite feline friends.

A true salesman at heart, Tom had a reputation for integrity, fairness, and an eye for a good deal. He owned a business as a motorcycle parts distributor and later shifted into cars and conversion vans. His hobbies and work often intertwined, leading him to buy, restore, and sell unique motorcycles and later, pistols, as he took up target shooting at the local gun range. Tom's honesty and commitment to quality made him a trusted and respected figure in every venture he pursued.

Tom's family, friends, and community will remember him with love and miss him dearly. A memorial will be held in Dayton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or https://www.catrangers.org in his honor.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.