Michael "Mike" Dale Marshall

Born in Dothan, Alabama, on April 2,1962, to the late Gayle Bostick Marshall and the late Larry Wood Marshall, Mike was a member of the1980 class of Northview High School, where he graduated with honors. Following high school, he attended the University of Alabama on a full academic scholarship majoring in Biology and Healthcare Administration. While at the University, Mike formed many lifelong friendships, pledged Phi Gamma Delta, taught Biology as a student professor, had a marvelous time and graduated with honors. He was exceptionally intelligent, undeniably fun, mischievous (in a good way) and 100% unpretentious. He was, as one friend said, “gentle as a flower and tough as boot leather”. Mike was a man who demonstrated personal integrity, loyalty, compassion, kindness, and humor in all things. He was a rabid football fan and spent most of his Fall Saturdays cheering on the Crimson Tide. He was a loving and devoted husband to Jo Ann and a committed and caring father to John Robert. Mike was dearly loved by his family and friends. He was a person of substance. His laugh was unique and positively contagious, and he was known to be thoughtful and generous, especially to those in need or with disabilities. Mike cared deeply for “his people” and gave of his time and his heart without reservation.

Professionally, Mike enjoyed a long and successful career in hospital administration at various hospitals, including Mobile Infirmary, several Health South Rehabilitation hospitals across the southeast, and later, as CEO of Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital in Demopolis, Alabama. He was a gifted leader, assets manager, and troubleshooter. In many instances, he instituted visionary procedures that brought about dramatic positive changes in the facilities he managed and communities he served. His “open door policy” was more than mere words as he literally removed the door to his office to encourage collaboration and openness amongst hospital leadership and fellow team members.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, John Robert Christian III; brother, Marty Marshall (Cindy); and father-in-law Joe Miller (Mary Lou). He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Miller Marshall; brother, Mitch Marshall; sister-in-law, Teresa Miller Norman (Keith); nieces, Anna Marshall McKnight (Dustin), Dr. Rebecca Marshall, Makayla Marshall, Mariah Marshall, and Johnson Norman; nephews, Byrne Norman, Jr. (Kathryn), Miller Norman (Emily), and Harry Norman (Maggie); and many great nieces and nephews.

The date for Mike’s memorial service, which will be held at First United Methodist Church of Dothan, Alabama, has not yet been finalized. Details will be forthcoming shortly and posted on social media and on the website of HM Patterson & Son- Arlington Chapel: www.hmpattersonarlington.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the IndependenceWORKS Day Program at JF&CS, where Mike and Jo Ann’s son, John Robert, spent ten joy-filled years as a beneficiary of this wonderful special needs program: https://jfcsatl.org/services/disabilities-services/independence-works; 770-677-9300 or the charity of your choice.