Marvin Kenneth Hall Jr.

After a lengthy illness, our beloved Pappy, 77, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Dr. Marvin Kenneth Hall, Jr. was born in Marshall on June 3, 1933, to Marvin Kenneth Hall Sr. and Allie Celie Bennett Hall. Quite an accomplished pianist, Dr. Hall graduated from Marshall High School in 1951. While at MHS, he was the accompanist for the MHS choir along with playing football for the Mavericks and running track. He perfected his swimming skills at the Marshall City Pool where he became adept at diving. He received a scholarship to Southern Methodist University for swimming/diving. While at SMU, Marvin married his high school sweetheart, Carol Carter. He earned a degree in Biology/Pre-Med from SMU followed by a medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Following medical school, Dr. Hall served in the US Navy stationed in San Diego, California, earning the rank of Captain. He then completed a residency and fellowship in Ophthalmology at Baylor School of Medicine in Houston. Following his residency, Dr. Hall moved his wife and children (THE 4 K's) to Marshall where he began his practice of Ophthalmology at Pinecrest Eye Center and Outpatient Surgisite. He restored eye sight for many people over a span of thirty eight years. A giving and kind-hearted doctor, who was loved by all, he enjoyed talking to his patients and loved the people he treated.
Dr. Hall also enjoyed his association with Boy Scouts of America and the Masonic Lodge. Following his retirement, he had the joy of caring for his newest grandbaby, Kenley. Dr. Hall was a member of the Optimist Club, Evening Lions Club, Alpha Tau Omega Social Fraternity, Harrison County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association and the Christian Ophthalmology Society. Now, as stated best in -II Timothy 4:7-8, (He has) fought the good fight. (He) has finished the race and kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for (Him) a crown of righteousness which the Lord has rewarded.
Dr. Hall is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol; and his four children, Kathy Hall Cornelius and husband Bill Wynne of Marshall, Dr. M. Kenny Hall III and wife Terri Bayliss of Marshall, Kelly Hall Cordray and husband Greg of Texarkana, and Kelon Carter Hall and wife Dawn Mullikin of Hallsville. His life was blessed by 15 grandchildren, Daniel Cornelius of Kansas City, Mo., Diane Cornelius Ford and husband Blake of Marshall, Caroline Cornelius and Carter Cornelius of Waco/Marshall, Alise Hall Alford and husband Nick of Flower Mound, Lauren Hall Tingle and husband Bryan of Wylie, Tanner Hall of Dallas, Sawyer Hall of Waco/Marshall, Colby Cordray of College Station/Texarkana, Keaton Cordray, Cason Cordray, Collier Cordray, Kenley Cordray, all of Texarkana, Alden Hall and Allison Hall of Hallsville. Recently, his family was blessed by a great-grandbaby, Berkeley Alise Tingle. Dr. Hall is also survived by a brother, Louie Fittz; nephews, Eric Fittz; a niece, Laura Skinner, all of Denton; and nephew, Tommy Valliiere of Muenster, Tx.
Serving as pallbearers will be his six grandsons.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 12 under the direction of Downs Funeral Home with Bob Bryant and Bro. John Bayliss officiating. Family graveside services will follow at Colonial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, March 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Downs. Memorials may be made to: Physician's Benevolent Fund, c/o Chris Johnson, Texas Medical Association, 401 W. 15th St., Austin, Texas 78701-9903 or Alzheimer's Association, c/o Kari Pickering, P.O. Box 5512, Longview, Texas 75608, or The Dr. Marvin K. Hall Medical Scholarship Fund, c/o Marshall High School, for high school seniors seeking a career in the medical field. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.downsfuneralhome.com.
This obituary has been placed at the request of the family.