BELOVED FORMER TIGER FOOTBALL COACH PASSES
By Shea Haile Courier Sports
The Gordonsville High School community and Tiger football family was saddened last week by the passing of beloved state champion coach Ron “Moose” Marshall.
The 1976 Gordonsville graduate passed on Monday, August 5 after battling cancer at the age of 66.
He served as head coach of the Tigers’ gridiron program for 10 seasons (2008-2017) and compiled a record of 71-47.
The veteran coach’s time in “Tiger Town” was highlighted by a 2012 run to the Class 1A state title. Gordonsville captured the program’s second championship with a thrilling 21-20 victory over Huntingdon at Tennessee Tech University. Big Blue concluded a 13-1 campaign and claimed their first crown since 1984.
Marshall’s stint as Tigers’ head coach included two Class 1A semifinal appearances and two region championships.
He is survived by his wife of forty six years, Debra Dement Marshall; children, David Lee (Jeri) Marshall and Christy Marshall (Trey) Amsler; grandchildren: Lily & Mathis Marshall; mother, Ethel Burnett Marshall; mother in law, Marie Dement Henley; and fur baby, Maverick; sister, Rhonda (Barry) Meredith; and brother, Richard Marshall.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Coach “Moose” Marshall, a long time resident of Rutherford County’s Christiana, at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 17 at Lebanon’s Rocky Valley Baptist Church (5745 Old Murfreesboro Road East, Lebanon) with Bro. Jason Mull officiating. Visitation will be held prior from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. The 2012 State Champions of Gordonsville High School are requested to be honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall Grandchildren Education Fund. Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home of Lebanon are in charge of arrangements.
Marshall and his family moved to Gordonsville during his sixth grade school year. The long time educator and coach played for the legendary Turney Ford during his high school career that culminated with a 10-1 record his senior year and a 1975 Lions Bowl victory.
Marshall was named All-Conference MVP, All-Region, All-Mid-State and All-State as a member of the Gordonsville High Tigers while being mentored by Coach Ford.
“He talked about Coach (Turney) Ford so much, he had the opportunity to play for him and I never had that privilege but I got to know Coach Ford through Coach Marshall,” said Scott Clemons who was a member of Marshall’s Gordonsville coaching staff.
“He cared a lot about the young men he coached,” said Clemons. “He wanted them to be better men later in life and not just good football players.”
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