Marshall D. Stephens

Marshall D. Stephens , age 91 (soon to be 92) passed away Wednesday, August 15, 2018. He was a native of Cobb County, and fourth of seven children born to Walter and Bertie Stephens. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 18th at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, Historic Marietta Chapel. Dr. Charles Sineath will officiate. A reception will follow at the Reception Hall of First United Methodist Church in Marietta. Interment will be private. Marshall was called to duty in the U.S. Army during WWII and served as a supervisor in a Medical Dispensary. He was proud of his military service and becoming one of the “Greatest Generation.” After his return to Marietta, he and his oldest brother Lynn established Fair Oaks Paint Co. (later to become Fair Oaks Paint & Hardware Co.) After Lynn’s death in 1976, Marshall continued to operate the business until 2000 when he liquidated and retired. Some years later he was employed at Cobb Hardware part-time and enjoyed being associated with the hardware business again. He was active in the community and served as Trustee of Osborne High School. He became a Mason and Shriner and was elected Potentate of Yaarab Shrine in Atlanta in 1993. He was a past president of Kennesaw Mtn. Shrine Club. He joined the American Legion and VFW. He was a founding member of the Georgian Club and member of the First United Methodist Church in Marietta. An avid golfer and member of Marietta Country Club where he enjoyed many games with his friends. He scored 4 holes-in-one during his playing time. Marshall is survived by his devoted wife Alice. He and she enjoyed 44 years of a very happy marriage. They liked traveling and visited many interesting places in the United States and abroad. He is also survived by his son, James “Jim” Stephens and wife, Pam; his daughter, Jane Butts and husband, Steve; brother, Arvil Stephens; grandchildren, Leigh Ann Buice (Deron), Jamie McCrink (Jesse), Wesley Butts, Roger Butts, Scott Paschal, Lee Paschal (Debbie); great grandchildren, Lauren Buice, Michael Buice, Tyler McCrink and Kaleb McCrink. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Marshall was proud of his family and was interested in their activities and accomplishments and concerned for their happiness and well-being. He would have done anything for them. Marshall was a special man who was well-like and respected throughout Cobb County. He touched many lives and led an exemplary life. He set an example for others to follow. His passing leaves a large void in the lives of those who knew and loved him but also leaves behind many happy memories of a life well-lived. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Children Hospital, 400 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, 30308.

Marshall D. Stephens

August 29, 1926 - August 15, 2018