August 21, 1949 - September 20, 2024
Bill Marsh, known affectionately as Papa, passed away on September 20, 2024, at the age of 75, surrounded by his beloved family. Born in Athens, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Reba Wilkey and Robert Marsh. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Cleo Wilkey, brothers Bob Marsh, Gary Wilkey, and Jim (Nancy) Wilkey, as well as Jackie Revis Reed, the mother of his two daughters.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 13 years, Kelley; daughters Jill (Jeff) Marsh Davis and JoJo (Orin) Marsh Brown; stepsons Craig (Erica) Ryan and Kyle (Darcy) Ryan; brothers Hurley Marsh and Jerry (Carol) Wilkey; aunt Joyce West; grandchildren Faith (Daniel) Dotson, Shelby Davis, Ethan Davis, Blaire Brown, Anne Marie and Olivia Ryan, Betsy, Ruby, and Josiah Ryan. He was a proud Papa to Gracelyn, Ezra, Elliot, and Way Way (Josue), along with their mother Madison. Bill also leaves behind nieces Denise (Andy) Cobb and her son Noah Cobb, Amanda Wilkey; nephews Jason (Carolyn) Marsh and Greg (Jane) Wilkey; cousin Jan (PJ) Lemons; cherished friend and co-worker Jana (Mike) Bice, and his loyal rescue dog, Bo.
Bill was a member of New Union Baptist Church. His Christian faith played a central role in his life. His love for our country was reflected by his service during the Vietnam War as an SP5 from February 1970 to March 1971. Following his military service, Bill embarked on a career with the U.S. Postal Service, eventually retiring as Postmaster of the Decatur Post Office. He continued his service to the community in his role as a Juvenile Probation Officer for Rhea County, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bill's passion for athletics began early. As a high school student, he was a member of the Rhea Central High School basketball team, coached by Wayne Dixon, which won the 1967 Tri-County Conference Championship. His competitive spirit carried him into adulthood, where he participated in various recreational basketball, softball, and volleyball teams, including O' Canes, The Associates, Specialty Produce, The Herald Print Shop, Athens Oilers, Walnut Grove Church, and Court Jesters. His love for sports also extended to coaching, where he inspired countless young athletes on teams such as The Whiz Kids, Rhea Central Girls Softball, Dayton City School Boys and Girls Basketball, The Dream Team, Rhea Rebels, and Dayton Lady Vols.
Outside of sports, Bill cherished spending time with his family, especially at home, where he hosted special celebrations and created lasting memories. His love for his family was profound. He found joy in peaceful moments on the porch, listening to Southern gospel music and watching his children and grandchildren play ball in the driveway. A dedicated supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves, Bill loved spending time in his mancave, watching SportsCenter and cheering on his favorite teams.
Bill, or Papa as he was fondly known, will be deeply missed and always remembered for his unwavering love, his spirit of generosity, and his dedication to family and community.
Services for Bill will be held Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home. Brother Danny Ruehling will be officiating. Interment will follow at Buttram Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 5-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bill Marsh Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Farmers Bank in Dayton, Tennessee.
Former members of The Dream Team, Ethan Davis, Kyler Akin, Rex Pendergrass, Dawson Mickel, Bryce Dupre, and Daylen Spradling, will serve as pallbearers in honor of the lasting impact Bill made on their lives both on and off the court.