Matthews, NC - Marshall Edward Starnes, 87, passed away on April 4, 2014 after a long illness. Son of Harry and Florine Starnes who predeceased him, Marshall was one of 14 children all born and raised in Charlotte. He is survived by his remaining younger brothers, Jerry of Waxhaw; Eugene of Marshville; Dickie of Salisbury; and sister, Barbara of Forest City.
Marshall was always a hard worker, and as a young boy would often help his father who owned and operated a dairy farm in Charlotte. As a teenager, Marshall enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WW II and was stationed at the U.S. Naval Base in Daytona, FL as an airplane mechanic. There he met and eventually married Julia nee Bryan, who preceded his death. They returned to Charlotte where they raised their three surviving children: Sherry Starnes Abel of Florida; son, Marty, and youngest daughter, Joyce Starnes Broome, both lifelong local residents.
Marshall later met and married his loving wife, Nancy, who survives him. Also surviving is their son, Harry of Littleton; and Nancy’s children, Judy Watkins of Lake Wylie, SC; Debbie Watkins of Indian Land, SC and Trina Watkins of Charlotte, all raised and surrounded by Marshall’s unconditional love, affection and belief in God.
Marshall is also survived by his sons-in-law Edward, husband to Sherry; Richard, husband to Joyce; and Bill husband to Judy; a daughter-in-law, Wendy, wife of Harry; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. The loss of Marshall as a patriarch to his family will be missed by all.
Viewing will be held at McEwen Funeral Service – Mint Hill Chapel on Sunday, April 6, 2014 between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. The funeral service celebrating Marshall’s life will be conducted at the Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, where he was a member, on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Sharon Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the Pleasant Plains Baptist Church building fund (3316 Pleasant Plains Rd., Matthews, NC 28105), in honor of Marshall.
To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit their website at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6