Jack Marshall

Jack Fry Marshall, a lifelong Clarksville, Tennessee, resident died at home on March 31, 2023. He was 101 years old.

He was born December 28, 1921, to Mary Ada Beaumont Marshall and Jim Polk Marshall, at his parents’ home in the Rossview community, near Clarksville.

During World War II he began a naval career with the United States War Shipping Administration as an Able Bodied Seaman and was discharged as 2nd Lieutenant and 2nd Mate. He was awarded a Citation for Meritorious Service for his role in rescuing and taking under tow the disabled French destroyer Le Triomphant during a severe tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean.

Following his discharge, he sailed with the United States Merchant Marines, ultimately holding a Master Mariner’s license, entitling him to command any United States-flagged merchant ship, of unlimited tonnage, on any navigable waterway in the world. Combined, he spent 23 years at sea. Farming and raising cattle were his passions after retiring from the sea.

He was married to the late writer and teacher, Charlotte Oliver Marshall, for 74 years.

He was preceded in death by his younger siblings: Emily Marshall Jones, Laurence Polk Marshall, Evelyn Marshall Wilbanks, and Jim Beaumont Marshall.

Survivors include his three children: Charles Oliver Marshall (Elizabeth), Franklin, Tennessee; Emily Livingston Marshall, Trenton, Kentucky; and Woodson Polk Marshall, Elkton, Kentucky; three grandchildren: Eleanor Marshall Osborne, M.D., (Eric), Nashville, Tennessee; Patrick Fry Coffre and Charles Oliver Coffre, both of Paris, France, and two great-grandchildren: Charlotte Jane Osborne and Elizabeth Josephine Osborne, Nashville, Tennessee.

Sykes Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. A private, family service will be held in his memory.

Please, no flowers, donations nor condolence letters.

Please visit Jack's online guestbook at www.sykesfuneralhome.com and share a memory with the family.