Milledgeville - On Oct. 29, 2025, Samuel Wesley Marshall Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in 1933 in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Sam graduated from high school in 1952 and soon after joined the U.S. Army, serving two years in Germany during the Korean War. Following his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Soon thereafter, Sam met the love of his life, Hattie Ruth Hyder, who would become his devoted wife of 65 years at the time of his passing.

Sam began his career teaching literature in South Carolina and Maryland, while also working as a park ranger — a reflection of his deep love for the outdoors. A lifelong Boy Scout, he spent many summers hiking the Appalachian Trail and joyfully introducing young people to the wonders of camping and backpacking.

In his role as a counselor and community liaison at the Youth Development Center, Sam mentored at-risk young men, guiding them toward accountability and responsibility through job placement opportunities in the Milledgeville community. Upon retirement, his focus shifted to causes that remained close to his heart: environmental conservation and the abolition of nuclear weapons. A passionate advocate, Sam used his gift for communication to write, speak, and participate in peaceful protests promoting disarmament and sustainability.

A life long member of Hope Lutheran Church, Sam took Christ's words to heart: "Blessed are the peacemakers." His participation in adult Sunday school always promised lively, enjoyable discussions.

Often described as a renaissance man and amateur astronomer, Sam delighted in hosting stargazing gatherings with his homemade telescope and taking friends and family out on Lake Sinclair in the sailboat he built himself. A true seeker of wisdom, his generous spirit and ecletic personal library left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Sam was preceded in death by his son, Allen Weldon Marshall; his brother, Donald Marshall; and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter Anita Cooper (Carl); daughter-in-law Angie Mixon Marshall; and grandchildren Rachael Weller (Brady), Alyssa Cooper, Kayley Cooper and Jacob Marshall. He was also blessed with great-granddaughters Madilynn and Emma Weller. Other surviving family members include his sister, Deanna Brewer; brothers David and Johnny Marshall; and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hopewell Methodist Church, Fellowship Home, and Peaceful Purposes Hospice for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Sam's legacy by planting a tree or making a donation to Brighter Days Ministries an organization to help the needy in our area.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15 at Moores Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

Moores Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of arrangements.