OBITUARY
John E. Marshall
March 20, 1929 – January 13, 2014
John E. Marshall was born in Passaic, NJ, March 20, 1929, passed away suddenly in Atlanta, January 13, 2014, just prior to his 85th birthday. He was the son of Henry and Helen Marshall and brother to 5 siblings. John was a World War II veteran having served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre. After the service, John graduated from art school in New York City. He was also a semi-pro football quarterback until the age of 38 and never lost his love of the game. He followed his favorite teams, the New York Giants, the Atlanta Falcons, UGA, and his beloved Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. With a mind like a steel trap, he could recite and discuss statistics from football games past and present. His friends didn't dare compete with him on football or other trivia. John was also an avid reader, tennis player, swimmer, racquet ball player and loved snow skiing. John's career began as a truck driver for Brink's Armored Car in Newark, NJ and worked his way up to Assistant Vice-President-Eastern Region. Ultimately he was hired by Wells Fargo Armored Car as Vice-President, General Manager of the Miami Region and then promoted to the Atlanta home office, where he ended his career as Executive Vice-President of Operations. Post retirement, John was employed by Kroger/Sandy Springs where he was also the union representative. He never met a stranger, and with his quick wit and personality, had quite a following of friends and customers while at Kroger. John's optimism was contagious. He is survived by his adoring family, the love of his life, Beverly Dreger, as well as Darby Dreger Tracey, Brooke Dreger-Jones and Mike Jones, Flip and Elizabeth Dreger, grandsons, Luke Tracey and Jackson Dreger, and sister Evelyn Fisher. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 18 at H. M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 with visitation at 10:00AM and service at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project.
Services
- Visitation Saturday, January 18, 2014
- Funeral Service Saturday, January 18, 2014
REMEMBERING
John E. Marshall
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RECEIVE UPDATESSharon Webb
February 14, 2014
I worked with John at Kroger for several years. He was so interesting and fun to talk with. It has been many years since but memories of him have popped into my mind many times. God bless your family in this time of pain.
Allan
January 25, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of All comfort bring you peace during this time of sorrow. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 will help you cope.
January 24, 2014
So sorry to hear that John has passed away. He was a great neighbor and will be missed. Judy and Al Garrison
e edwards
January 18, 2014
My sympathies for you and your family and friends. May you take comfort in Joh 5:28, 29
Andrea Davison
January 18, 2014
My husband Malcolm and I (Andrea) loved John. We first met him in 2007 when our youngest son, Elijah, started working part-time at Kroger while attending High School. He really liked John and always said he was a good advice giver. I remember when John ran for King of Sandy Springs and I told him that if he did not win he was a winner in my book. He will always hold a very special place in our hearts, and I hope he saves us a place in his new home because we want to see his smile and hear his jokes once again. Put simply, John was a good, caring person. Know that you are in our prayers, and I hope just knowing how many people John touched gives you a little sense of peace and lessens your pain.
Rob.
January 18, 2014
John was loved by family and so many friends He will be missed by all who knew Him,from what I hear about John He is my type of Guy, may you hold-onto the fond memories of John, 2Co 9:7.
January 18, 2014
I'm sorry for your lost. May your family rely on God in this time of grief.
Jan
January 18, 2014
I pray that your family draw comfort from the blessing from God that one day soon, death will be no more. 1Cor. 15:26
G. Freeman
January 17, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 17, 2014
Dear Family and special love of John...I was so saddened to hear about his passing. I had the ultimate honor and pleasure of being one of his customers at Kroger. I adored that man and would look forward to my 6:30 A.M. stories when I checked out. He was so bright, funny, encouraging, and a wonderful role model. I would go home every Wednesday and tell my family my "John" story. I switched grocery stores right after he left...and I've not met anybody like him since. He always talked about the love of his life and his family. He would crack himself up with his own stories. He gave great advice and would encourage me. And I would keep a long line of customers waiting behind me just because I wanted some "John" time. He touched my life and I will never forget him. And I know there are probably hundreds more who can say the same thing. May his memory be for a blessing. I'm sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. Linda Frank
Brooke Dreger
January 17, 2014
My sweet John, I could talk all day about what an amazing Man you are. You were True and Loyal with your strong beliefs and that is what I admired most. You walked your own path however, did not look down upon those that went a different way. My true passion for the Military comes directly from your undying love and passion for our Country and the fight for what is right. You became part of our family when I was 14 and looking back, oh Lord "I am sorry" haha! I was such a pain but I think you truly realized I walk my own way too. I think that's why I was your favorite excluding Luke...haha! You groomed him in to an amazing young Man. He would hold on to your every word and forever will. You will always be his Hero. Thank you for all that you are and I am so proud you were such an instrumental part of our life. As you always said, "Love you and So Long Kid" . LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND ALWAYS!!!! In our Hearts FOREVER!! Until we meet again....ALL MY LOVE, Brookie
Luke Tracey
January 16, 2014
I love you so much poppy i will never forget you and your stories I'm happy you were a part of my life for so long i miss you but we will meet again up in heaven. Semper Fi
Jean Calise Ashenfelder
January 16, 2014
I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I have so many great memories to cherish with him and your family. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. He will always be remembered and I'm grateful to have had the honor of knowing him.
January 16, 2014
REST-IN-PEACE, MARINE! GIVE JOHN BASILONE AND THE BOYS MY BEST! SEMPER FI!
-FLIP DREGER, WOODBINE, GA
January 16, 2014
Beverly and family: Still so hard to believe, but thank you, Bev, for having a birthday on Fri. so Peggy and I could spend such a special and incredible night at Longhorn's with you and John. I'm so happy he left us just being "JOHN". I join you in grieving and missing an amazing friend.
Rita Paris
January 14, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He led a very interesting life and I am so glad I had the honor of knowing him! I offer my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal