Lance Martin Marshall

Lance Martin Marshall COLUMBIA - Lance Martin Marshall, 60, passed away July 3, 2015, after a year-long battle with cancer. A fixer by nature and by training, Lance loved to make engines and houses run better. One of his proudest accomplishments was taking a dried up pond and property and converting it into an aquatic preserve and cozy home. Lance most loved to help people. From building a shed for his sister and brother-in-law, to helping friends convert their barn to a home, to easing the lives of friends and acquaintances, he gave when and where he could. Lance graduated in 1972 from T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria, VA, tried the Navy and the University of Massachusetts, worked as a mason and drywall hanger, then obtained an associate degree from NoVa Community College. Still wanting to work with his hands, he turned to creating custom work at Classic Glass in Alexandria. But as his hound, Beauregard, could testify: Lance needed more country in his life. In 1995, he and his beloved wife Mavis moved to Columbia, SC. Working for Tom Garman and then Dan Osterhaus, Lance improved homes throughout the area. He and Mavis bought a property with room for his antique tractors, her gardens, the current dog, his ever-growing collection of tools, and machinery in need of repair. With a circle of close friends, they created an enriched and fulfilling life. When Lance "accepted the Lord into his heart," he found even greater peace. Survived by his mother, Shirley Marshall; five sisters, Mira Nan Marshall, Shirley Moana Marshall, Mildred "Mimi" LeMenn, Annabel Jean Baer and Ariela Lucy Marshall; in-laws, nephews and nieces, and a host of close and dear friends. His wife, Mavis, and his father, Donald Marshall, predeceased him. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Apostles, 1520 Bull Street, Columbia SC 29201 on Saturday, July 11 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church and sent c/o Father Tom Garman for support of the St. James Place Project to help the homeless.