William F. Marshall

1943 - 2025

William F. Marshall

May 9, 1943 - Dec 24, 2025

William Frederick Marshall, "Squirrel," 82, passed away peacefully on December 24th in the Palliative Care Unit at Forsyth Hospital in Winston-Salem.

He was born on May 9, 1943, to William Hanan Edward Marshall and Francis Auld Marshall in Charleston, West Virginia. He had an active childhood and was proud of being recognized as one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the country just after his fourteenth birthday. He attended Charleston High School where he earned the name Squirrel for being the fastest rope climber in gym class. He then enrolled in Wake Forest College graduating in 1965 as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

In 1966, Bill enrolled in the Naval Officers Candidate School, after which he was temporarily assigned to duty in Brunswick, Georgia, where he met Rebecca Conyers. Rebecca and he soon married on December 19, 1966. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary a few days before his passing. In 1969 after three years of active duty, he left the Navy as a Lieutenant. Rebecca, their newborn son, Bowen, and he then moved to Winston-Salem, where he began his career as a Municipal Bond Broker, first with Wachovia Bank and later with his own firm, First Winston Securities. Throughout his career, he developed many friendships that have endured these many years.

He was very active, playing tennis, golf, basketball (Y Men's Club), fly fishing and bridge. Rebecca and he organized many events and gatherings involving their many friends. We celebrate his life filled with family and friends, remembering his love of fishing for trout in the Linville River, eating vanilla ice cream, and rooting for Wake Forest sports. His raspy voice and whistling tunes will be remembered from the 13th hole of the Linville Golf Course to the rivers of Montana to the waters of Islamorada.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister, Elizabeth Dobbs ("Betsie"). He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, his brother Chris (Gail), two sons, Bowen and Cam (Pamela); their five grandchildren who knew him as "Poppy" - Christopher, Elizabeth, McClain, Hanan and Bennett; and his step-grandchildren, Andrew and Mason. Also surviving him are his niece, Lindsey Chase (Brian) and nephew, Will Dobbs (Erin) and their children.

The family wishes to thank those at the Novant Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care they provided.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 520 Summit Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, on Thursday, January 8th at 2 pm. The family will greet guests in the Calhoun Room immediately following the service.

In lieu of sending flowers, donations can be made in Bill's name to All Saints Episcopal Mission/Hurricane Fund, PO Box 99, Linville, NC 28646, which will benefit the victims of Hurricane Helene or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106