of Russellville, AR

July 30, 1942 - January 25, 2024

Robert Curtis Marsh, Jr., 81, a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, formerly of Clarksville, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at his home. He was born July 30, 1942 in Russellville, Arkansas to the late Robert and Edna Marsh. On January 25, 1967, he married the love of his life, Myrtle Willis-Marsh.

Robert was a 1960 graduate of L.W. Sullivan High School in Morrilton, Arkansas where he played varsity basketball. After high school, Robert continued his education by earning degrees in auto body and repair at Arkansas Valley Vo-Tech in Ozark, Arkansas. He also attended American Business College in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Robert spent his working years in various roles including serving as a delivery person for Lemley Drug in Russellville, Arkansas and worked as an apprentice plumber with Brockman Plumbing in Russellville, Arkansas.

From 1962 until 1971 Robert served his country in the United States Navy. While serving in the Navy, Robert was stationed in several ports of call including the Mediterranean and the Virgin Islands. Along with these ports he and Myrtle also lived in Jacksonville, Florida (Mayport), Charleston, South Carolina, Washington D.C. and Norfolk, Virginia. Upon being discharged from his military service, Robert went on to work with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department as a storeroom supervisor until his retirement in 1999.

Robert was known for there being nothing he could not repair. Robert proved this talent over the years in numerous ways including building and opening his own autobody shop, building two homes with his own hands including their present home as well as being a great cook and housekeeper. He was a devout member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Robert was deeply devoted to his family. If there was an award for Father Of The Year he would win, hands down.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother, Wallace Marsh; his best childhood friend, Raymond Jackson and a great nephew, Taric.

Survivors include his wife, Myrtle (Myrt) Willis-Marsh; two daughters, RoxAnne Marsh of Clarksville, Arkansas and Amy Beth Graham of North Little Rock, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Robert Mekhi Burnett, Jaylen Graham and Tybirius Vaughn; a nephew, Eric Stanley ''Stan'' Marsh and wife, Stephanie and two nieces, Marquita Marsh of Russellville, Arkansas and Valerie Marsh Whitman of Phoenix, Arizona. In addition Robert leaves behind a special childhood friend, Mamie Joe (Jackson) Franklin and Frank of Las Vegas, Nevada; a special cousin, Eloise Hill of Florissant, Missouri; along with several special cousins of Russellville and Dardanelle, Arkansas; four great nephews; two great nieces and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Pallbearers will be Andy May, Robert Burnett, Jimmy Marsh, Jimmy Nichols Jr., David Ross & Richard Peevy.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Heather O'Neal with the Fort Smith VA Outpatient Clinic, Mercy Hospital including all the doctors and nurses on station 3500 along with other floors. Additionally, Robert's family thanks Dr. Runa Shrestha of Mercy Oncology Clinic as well as Mercy Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Mercy Health Foundation, 2901 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903 or UAMS Foundation, 4301 West Markham Street #716, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.

A funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2024 at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Oakland Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Marvin Vinson Center until 4pm.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Cox Funeral Home
Rogers & Poplar Streets
Clarksville, AR  72830
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com