Forrest Rea Marshall III

Forrest Rea Marshall, III of Richmond, VA passed away on August 12, 2023, after a valiant battle with pancreatic/liver cancer. He was beloved by all who knew him for his nurturing nature, his generosity, his mentoring of young adults, and his desire to share his love of music and the languages.

During his years at Albemarle High School, Rea enhanced his love of Spanish as a foreign exchange student in Monteria, Columbia. The family, with whom he lived, was his second family; and there was an ongoing loving relationship with them. He graduated from the University of Virginia acquiring a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in French. While attending UVA, he studied abroad at the Universidad Complutensa de Madrid. Obtaining an M.Ed. at UVA was another fulfilling achievement for him. Upon graduating from UVA, Rea was introduced to the political world, working as an aide to Senator John Warner in Washington, D.C.

His appreciation of the languages led him to a successful career teaching all levels of Spanish and French in Rochester, NY. Those included Advanced Placement Spanish for 12 years and International Baccalaureate French. He ended his career as an interpreter for Henrico County Schools and as a tutor for Spanish, English, piano and voice.

Hallmarks of his life were: piano lessons at age four; studying classical music for twelve years; and composing original ballads and poems to songs in multiple languages. These outstanding gifts were shared in school, with family, at weddings/other gatherings, and at nursing homes--bringing much joy to others.

Rea's fervor for singing began at an early age at Belfield School (STAB) portraying Jimmy Cricket, which was accomplished with finesse. The opportunity to portray Jesus in the Spanish version of Jesus Christ Superstar at Albemarle High School was incredibly meaningful to him...memories he cherished.

This love of music continued throughout his student years at UVA, where he was a member of the UVA acapella groups...the Glee Club and the Virginia Gentleman. Later he was a vocal coach to his niece and nephew, McKenna and Blake.

He recognized and acknowledged the blessings of a supportive immediate family and extended family as well. There was a unique bond between his cousins, aunts and uncles.

He had a strong connection to animals and loved them all...even wild turkeys!

Rea is survived by Chang Liu; Daniella Vasan; Bob Pye; his Columbian sister, Elena Buelvas; Joseph Missak; his mother, Barbara Marshall Chapman; his father, Forrest Rea Marshall, Jr. (Donna); his brother, Kevin Todd Marshall; his sister, Stefanie Marshall Harrington (Erik); who was the best brother-in-law ever; his nephew, William Marshall; his niece, McKenna Harrington; his nephew, Blake Harrington; his step-sisters, Robin Chapman Grimes; Michelle Canada Proffitt; Heather Canada Nothstine; sister-in-law, Courtney Dillard; his much-loved aunt, Sandy Marshall Johnson (Otis); cousins, Cindy Marshall McVey (Mark); Lynn Marshall Dunn (Jack); Wayne McCauley (Vanessa); Darren McCauley (Amy) and Kim McCauley Crow; Devin Vaughan. Preceding him in death were: his step-dad, (who was like a father to him), H. Edward Chapman; his beloved aunt and uncles, Lottie and Donald McCauley; his uncle, David Marshall and his grandparents; Elzie and Margie McCauley; Forrest and Reva Marshall.

Rea, you will be missed--- your intellect, your musical talents, your love of the languages (your forcing us to speak Spanish when we didn't want to!), your generosity to All and your presence in our lives.

The family appreciates and thanks Affinity of Richmond, who cared for Rea with compassion and love.

A private Celebration of Life will be held October 7th in Charlottesville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Affinity Care of Richmond, 3736 Winterfield Rd. Ste 202, Midlothian, VA 23113 or at www.affinityhealthmanagement.com/donation; or your local Humane Society. Indicate that your gift is in memory of Forrest Rea Marshall, III.