Marshall was born on January 7, 1943, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Sam L. and Effie H. Clegg. He was one of three children and is survived by his sister, Sandra Clegg Travis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Terry Clegg Fagane.
Marshall married the love of his life, Brenda Kirkland Clegg, and together they built a family rooted in love, faith, and service to others. He was a devoted father to Denee Clegg Anderson (Brad), Bryon Clegg, Lacy Tolle, Faith McElwee (Wesley), Caitlin Martin (Luke), and Dreher Tolle. He was also a proud grandfather “Peepaw” to Quinn Clegg, Colesie Bourgoyne (Ed), Kayleigh Davidson, Lawson Clegg, Emmett Nettles, and Ava Hopkins—and a great-grandfather to Magnolia Bourgoyne. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Rainey Jon Clegg.
Marshall is best known throughout the community for his life’s work at Clegg’s Nursery, founded by his parents in 1955. He is also well known by many local landscapers for CNI Wholesale Nursery. He had a gift for seeing potential in outdoor spaces and sharing that vision with others—often sketching plans on the spot and giving advice freely. For Marshall, it was not just about plants; it was about people, relationships, and educating others to create beautiful surroundings. He believed in doing things right. Quality and customer service were at the heart of everything he did.
Outside of work, Marshall enjoyed fishing. He was a member of Central Church in Zachary, where his faith was his guiding light. He was the kind of person who never hesitated to lend a hand, share a laugh, or brighten someone’s day with his quick wit.
Above all else, Marshall valued his faith, his family, and his friends. He had a servant’s heart. Whether it was helping with a project, supporting and encouraging his loved ones, or simply giving good advice, he showed up with generosity, kindness, and a humble spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Bethany Church – South, located at 11107 Honore Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. The service will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive guests from 10:00–11:00 a.m., and again following the service until 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring to Love Ministries (www.ctlm.org) or the Tim Tebow Foundation (www.timtebowfoundation.org).
The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the compassionate team at Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge for their loving care in Marshall’s final days.
"He lived with joy, served with love, and left beauty wherever he went."
Arrangements are being handled by Rabenhorst Funeral Home East. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rabenhorsteast.com.
