Joseph "Joe" Vaughn Marsh

Joseph “Joe” Vaughn Marsh of Charlotte entered the arms of our Heavenly Father on March 17, 2011. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be at 11:00AM Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in the chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral Home, Reverend Steve Bass officiating. Visitation will follow the service at the funeral home.. Born October 22, 1940 to Joseph H. and Elma Boggs Marsh in High Point, NC, Joe attended high school at Myers Park, Harding, and was a 1958 graduate of West Mecklenburg High School. While in high school Joe trained as a boxer with Lou Kemp competing in the Golden Gloves as a featherweight fighter. His dedication to training paid dividends in the ring, as he compiled an impressive record during his short amateur career. Critically injured when his car was run into from behind by a semi-truck in1960, he fought through his injuries to marry his sweetheart, Joyce Todd in November 1961. Joe worked at Pilot Freight Company as a dispatcher and doubled on second shift as a mechanic. In 1968, he became self-employed, operating Oakdale ESSO, which later became Oakdale Automotive Service. After nearly 40 years, and countless friendships, Joe retired in 2004, but continued to be a presence at the business because he loved his customers and interacting with them. He was an outstanding mechanic and a fixture in his community. His hobbies included marksmanship and cowboy competition shooting, NASCAR racing, fishing and antique auto events. Joe was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, past member of Sunset Road Baptist Church, was a member of the Long Creek Masonic Lodge and the Mecklenburg Wildlife Club. Joe had a heart of gold and a great sense of humor and will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joyce Todd Marsh, mother, Elma Marsh, brother David Marsh (Anne) of Keller, Tx., son Tim Marsh (Gail) of Denver, NC, daughter, Ginger Hatchell, grandchildren, Justin and Cayce Connor, Derek and Allison Marsh. Memorials may be made to the Charity of the Donor’s choice.