John Whitaker Marshall, 78, of Wilmington, NC, died Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center. He was born on October 30, 1933, in East Prairie, MO, the son of the late Robert E. and Bessie Chailland Marshall. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Van Marshall and Herbert Marshall; and two sisters, Evelyn Marshall and Ines Marshall. Mr. Marshall retired after thirty-three years with the US Department of Agriculture where he was the Director of the Field Management Division. He was also a veteran of the US Army. Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Barbara Sue Peebles Marshall; a son, John Bradley Marshall and wife Christie of Williamsburg, VA; a daughter, Cheri Beth Marshall Clabby and husband Thomas of Wilmington, NC; three grandchildren, Kiersten Marshall, Janna Marshall and Tyler Thomas Clabby; two brothers, Charles Marshall and Edward Marshall; three sisters, Peggy Adkisson, Robbie Eastman and Barbara Byrum. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church with Rev. Keith Grogg officiating. Memorials may be made to Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1209 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428.