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Athens - The Reverend Father Ralph Olin Marsh, 80, of Athens, died June 7, 2010. He was the husband of the late Frances Bryan Marsh. Born in Leslie, Ga., he was reared in Ft. Myers, Fla., and came to Georgia in 1943 to attend Emory University. Father Marsh is survived by his sons, Kyle and Kevin Marsh; and their wives, Nancy Marsh and Sue Marsh. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Clyde L. Wade of Greenville, Texas. He has three grandchildren, Amy Marsh Misenheimer, Joshua Marsh and Rebecca Marsh; one great-granddaughter, Ada Misenheimer; and one great-grandson, Cole Misenheimer.
After attending Emory for one year, he joined the U.S. Navy and was later attached to the U.S. Marine Corp as a medical corpsman. He served in China in1945 and 1946.
After being discharged from the military, he returned to Emory where he received his B.S. degree. He worked in the advertising field in Atlanta for several years before teaching at Briarcliff High School in Decatur, Ga. In 1962, he enrolled in the Episcopal Seminary, St. LukeÕs at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.
Receiving his M.Div. degree, he was assigned by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta as the Chaplain to the University of Georgia. Father Marsh served in this capacity for 32 years and was instrumental in the building of St. MaryÕs Chapel located on the campus at the corner of Lumpkin St. and University Drive.
He was a charter member of the Athens Mental Health Board and worked actively in Alcohol and Drug treatment and prevention for almost 20 years. He was the founder of Touchpoint, an alcoholic half way house, which served the Athens/Clarke area for over fifteen years. Father Marsh also held AssociateÕs degrees from the University of California and Rutgers in the area of Addiction and Treatment.
Father Marsh was affectionately know as the Dean of Saturday Football Parking, having been the first campus chaplain to start selling parking spaces to Gerogia football fans on ÒHoly RowÓ (Lumpkin Street).
During his last years on the Georgia campus, he began the operation of a small confectionary business known as ÒThe Gourmet Padre.Ó This little venture celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005 and grew to the stage of having customers in 27 states, England, France and Belgium in this period of time.
Services will be held on Friday, June 11, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The Reverend Father William J. Bradbury (one of Father MarshÕs former students) is officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions or memorials may be made to The Father Ralph O. Marsh Memorial Fund Episcopal University Center, 980 Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30606.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home East is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Kyle & Kevin,
It has been more than 30 years since last I saw your Dad - or you guys - but we have kept up over the years. My earliest - and one of my favorite - memories of him was at Camp Mikell in 1976 or 1977. It was a college center retreat for southeastern schools, and I was an Auburn student. He was in a skit and had 15 wrist watches on, and was barking out commands to his group. It was hysterical! I am sure the point had to do with punctuality (a lesson I never really got), and it was a riot - just like your Dad! I worked for him for 2 years at Touchpoint & Wellspring, and learned so much that I realized I needed to go back to school for advanced degrees :) When I completed a Ph.D. in 1994, he could not attend the party, but did send some Gourmet Padre cheesecakes & other goodies. I always knew that if I needed a laugh, or perspective, I could call Ralph. He was always so proud of you guys - God bless & peace to you --
Michael McClanahan
Auburn, Alabama
Michael McClanahan
March 28, 2011
Dear Kyle & Kevin,
It has been more than 30 years since last I saw your Dad - or you guys - but we have kept up over the years. My earliest - and one of my favorite - memories of him was at Camp Mikell in 1976 or 1977. It was a college center retreat for southeastern schools, and I was an Auburn student. He was in a skit and had 15 wrist watches on, and was barking out commands to his group. It was hysterical! I am sure the point had to do with punctuality (a lesson I never really got), and it was a riot - just like your Dad! I worked for him for 2 years at Touchpoint & Wellspring, and learned so much that I realized I needed to go back to school for advanced degrees :) When I completed a Ph.D. in 1994, he could not attend the party, but did send some Gourmet Padre cheesecakes & other goodies. I always knew that if I needed a laugh, or perspective, I could call Ralph. He was always so proud of you guys - God bless & peace to you --
Michael McClanahan
March 28, 2011
Father Ralph Marsh is my father's brother and so I am his nephew. Because of the fragmentation of the families, I saw Father Ralph only rarely over the years. Those meetings, however, revealed to me my uncle's good and gentle heart.
Rest in peace, Uncle Ralph.
Terrill Mallory
November 30, 2010
Dear Marsh Family,
For many years in Athens while growing up, my parents were friends of your parents. My mother, Maryse, assisted your Dad with the alcoholic-drug rehab center for a time.
I am grateful to have known your parents and the chance to counsel with your Dad from time to time on various issues in my life and my son's when he began his undergraduate studies at UGA.
He will be missed, and he was a blessing to so many.
Kindest Regards,
Billy Carmichael, son of Bill & Maryse Carmichael
Bill Carmichael
September 26, 2010
Father Ralph Marsh was one of the most important influences I ever had, or knew. He was genuine, could spin a yarn as well as or better than any author the South ever produced, and could, in only a handful of words, cut to the chase and explain universal mysteries as clearly and with as much wisdom as any Chaucer or Shakespeare who ever lived. His friendship was a divine treasure and I cannot imagine this world without him in it. Conversely, I can't imagine what the next one must be like now with him in it. But I look forward to meeting him again in the next plane and hearing what mischief he's been up to in the meanwhile. God love you all. And God bless Ralph. I will miss him sorely.
Theodore Guerrant
July 27, 2010
Dan Marineau
June 23, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle, Father Marsh played a pivotal role in my life at my time of greatest need. I was one of the residents of Touchpoint for a year. He helped me completely turn my life around and go from having a life in disarray, to having a profession, a career, a family, and a significant position at a major hospital. His depth of kindness, understanding, and compassion helped pull me through. His transition is a great loss for all.-----Chris
June 18, 2010
Dear Kyle and Kevin-Our whole family loved both your mom and dad- we used to call your dad our "family priest" because he was there for all our major family events. He married Jim and I in 1986 in St. Mary's Chapel and christened our daughter Britt there as well.Jim and I loved him very much- our prayers are with you and your families during this loss. With love, Cindy Andrews Flanders
Cindy Flanders
June 16, 2010
Dear Kevin, Kyle and family,
We were saddened to hear of your father's passing. Father Marsh was very important to me and my family and was part of our lives. He was a great father figure to myself and taught me many lessons and virtues that hold true. He was such a great friend to have and always entertaining to be around. I thought the world of your dad and I know that he thought the world of you. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Parke & Shelly Nimmons
June 14, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle,
Our family moved to Athens area on Feb 1, 1988 determined to remain Episcopalians. We screened the two parishes but decided on St. Mary's Episcopal Chapel as "our church" because of your father, Father Ralph Marsh. We remained members of St. Mary's until your dad retired as chaplain in July 1996. Our two sons loved their "Father Marsh" so much that five years later, Aaron, our oldest son and his bride-to-be thought only of Ralph to be the one to marry them.
We are all sad by your father's passing but rejoice that we live so we can die to live again. Your father truly lives again with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Don & Addy Miller
June 13, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle: Having grown up going to Emmanuel in Athens, I don't remember NOT knowing your family. I always enjoyed acolyting for your father at the 8:00 service; he always checked to make sure you had had breakfast (didn't want anyone "falling out" on him), and made sure the service was short and sweet. He baptized our son Ben, and let me know he had served as a combat medic when I let him know Ben was serving as one. I looked forward to seeing him at services when visiting in Athens, or running into him around town. Thank you so much for sharing him with all of us over the years. Father Marsh was a wonderful man, and priest, and I feel lucky to have known him. Very sincerely, Lida Rice Waugh, now in Knoxville, TN
Lida Waugh
June 12, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle - Both your parents were close friends of ours for many years, and we enjoyed every contact we had with them socially, and at Emmanuel and St. Mary's Chapel. In every respect, your Dad was a paradigm of a life well lived in the service of others.
Margaret and Robert McPherson, Athens, GA
June 11, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle and family,
Both Pete and I were students at the Episcopal Center. It was there we met and with your Dad playing Cupid, we fell in love and were married by him 30 years ago. He has been a precious part of our family all these years. His love and wise counsel have been a "safety net" for me in my life and I am so thankful for his influence. Blessings and peace to you and yours--he loved you dearly.
---Natalie and Pete Thomas, Wilmington, DE.
June 11, 2010
Kevin and Kyle:
My daughter and I met your father when he filled for Father Tim Graham in at our Parish at Covington. We constantly enjoyed his wit and energy and I know that you both must have many wonderful memories of him. It is a blessing to have a parent live so long and so well. I hope you find peace and contentment in those memories and feel the support and love of all those who loved him so well.
Jeanna Norton
Jeanna and Hannah Norton
June 11, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle. Your dad was a mentor and dear friend. He was a Presentor at my Ordination. He will be greatly missed. He touched lives at the Episcopal Center. I enjoyed coming back and supplying for him when he went out of town as well. You are in my Prayers. Gary Mull
Gary Mull
June 11, 2010
Dear Marsh Family,
I had the privilege of following in your dad's footsteps as the "next" chaplain at UGA when he retired in 1996. I was there only two years, because Ralph was a tough act to follow! Later on Ralph supplied for me in Covington when I was away on vacation. I admired your dad. He was a great priest, and an inspiration to many young people. I'll always remember his wit, wisdom and determination. Blessings to you all. The Rev. Tim Graham
The Rev. Tim Graham
June 10, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle,
I first met your father in 1981, when I attended one of his services at the Episcopal Center. Soon after, I began to serve as an acolyte and reader -- which at first I am sure he regretted, since one day I stood before the congregation and announced "A reading from the book of Job", but pronounced Job as job! I became very involved in the Center, and lived there and served as sexton for a time, and became close to many wonderful people there. That was about the time when Ralph was working on building the new chapel, and I ended up carrying the processional cross on the day the chapel was consecrated (as I did in many a wedding he performed at the chapel). Ralph was a wonderful mentor to me, and I will always be thankful for his help, guidance and friendship. Clearly one of the great things about Ralph was his splendid sense of humor, but over the years I also realized that he was often working very hard to help a lot of people -- but he didn't tend to brag about this or even talk about it much except when he needed to.
I regret very much that I cannot attend the service at Emmanuel, since I am directing a study abroad program in Spain at this time, but I will be there in spirit. Indeed, just before I left in May, I was thinking that I should go see Ralph before I left. Alas, I decided to put that visit off until July...
Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Donald Tuten
Donald Tuten
June 10, 2010
Father Marsh was one of my favorite people. He was a great pastor, priest and friend. I can't think of the University of Georgia without remembering Father Marsh - he meant and did so much for so many of us. Rest well my friend.
Charlie Morgan
June 10, 2010
Kevin and Kyle.
As an acolyte your dad kept me straight. As a young Policeman your dad taught me to temper justice with compassion and that I could be a godly man and still be a man. He also married my wife & I. He will be greatly missed.
J.R. & Brandy Huff
June 9, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Father Marsh passing, he was such a joy, esp to Bill Kemp. My prayers are with each of you. I had the wonderful opportunity to spend July 4, 2006 with him, it was raining that day, he said it was a good thing, since he and I had no pinic to go to. I had the most wonderful aternoon, could not have been a better 4th. of July!
Rose Kemp
June 9, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes East Chapel
June 10, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Father Marsh's passing. He was such an Athens icon for so many years- such a fun loving person. Just seeing his name brings a smile to my face. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Becky Gaines
June 9, 2010
Dear Kyle and Kevin
Your father was my friend for the last 45 years. He was also my co-worker during the "parking lot" days. His wit, wisdom and compassion were always a constant. He was there to help me bury my mother and my husband, and bring joy in performing the marriages of both my sons. He lovingly touched so many lives. Your mother and each of you were the light of his life and he was so very proud of you both. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers and thoughts will be with you.
Barbara Huff Keadle, Columbia, SC
June 9, 2010
Kyle and Kevin,
I was saddened to read of your father's death. Father Marsh was very important to my family in a number of ways over the years. I will always hold a special place in my heart for him. My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Rebecca Owens
June 9, 2010
Dear Marsh Family,
Father Ralph married my husband and I 19 years ago in Atlanta. He was such a wonderful light in all of our lives over the years and will be truely missed! His fabulous sense of humor and love of cooking are two things we will miss the most! Please accept our deepest sympathy during your time of loss.
Rodney & Allison Feltner
June 9, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was one of a kind. I went to Europe with your Mother and Father when I was 17 and had a blast. Both my parents considered your folks friends and your Father conducted the Memorial service for my Mother when she died.
Laura Williams Carter
June 9, 2010
To the Marsh family: Please accept the condolences of my wife, Tina, and me. Fr. Marsh performed our wedding in October of 1989. We are both very sorry to hear of his passing but are grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing him. God Bless.
Chris Abbey
June 9, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle, we are so sorry for your loss, your father was a great man with a quick wit . He married my wife and I in 1990. He will be greatly missed.
David & Kara Huff
June 9, 2010
To the Marsh Family: Father Marsh married my husband and I almost 37 years ago at Emmanuel in Athens. He was also there for my family in its time of need over the years. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Chuck & Kathy Phillips
June 9, 2010
Dear Kevin and Kyle: As you know, there are many remarkable facets to the life of Father Ralph Marsh. He will be remembered so fondly by a great many people, not only for his innate ability to draw parallels from the ‘teachings’ for us to clearly understand how they apply to modern day life, but also for his obvious zest for life, his true culinary skills, his keen sense of humor and directness, and his marvelous ability and willingness to converse on just about any subject. It was always a pleasure to be with Ralph. I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Carol Palmer
June 9, 2010
Dear Kyle,
Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your father.
Gary Towers
June 9, 2010
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