Dr. Berry Neil Marshall's Obituary
Berry Neil Marshall, respected Longview physician, died Friday March 20, 2015 after sudden heart complications. Dr. Marshall was born July 12, 1932 in Temple, Texas, son of Berry Luther Marshall and Elizabeth Carney Connally-Marshall. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Lu McCarty-Marshall. He is survived by his only sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Hal Waggoner of Wetumpka, Alabama, daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Mike Baker of Longview, son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Kay Marshall of Dallas, son and daughter-in-law, Olynn and Debbie Marshall of Yorba Linda, California, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Neil Marshall was a life-time learner who loved to read. This took him through Temple High School, Baylor University pre-medical 1953, and University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas in 1957, and intern-residency 1959 at John Peter Smith in Fort Worth.
Dr. Marshall chose Longview in which to start his medical practice in 1959. Longview was selected because of family roots in Gilmer and because Gregg County still allowed physicians to be involved in all phases of medicine, particularly obstetrics and general surgery. He and his career-long medical partner, Dr. Jimmy C. Bagley, built a new clinic on Padon behind then Gregg Memorial Hospital, and he practiced there until retirement in 2001. The greatest joy of his practice was the delivery of babies, and he did so through multiple generations. Dr. Marshall was known for his no-nonsense patient focused care that endeared him to patients. His unwavering commitment to excellence and ethics is noted by his colleagues today as the example they admired. Dr. Marshall served as Chief of Staff Good Shepherd Hospital and President of the Gregg County Medical Association.
Leadership became the mark of Neil’s participation in any organization and contributions to the community. Dr. Marshall served on the Longview Independent School Board from 1975 to 1984 and was president during planning and construction of the current high school campus. Dr. Marshall and his father, Berry Luther Marshall, formed Clear Creek Farm near Gilmer in 1961. CCF became known for cutting edge genetics in the resurgence of the Angus cattle breed in the beef industry. His vision for Angus cattle and recognized success allowed him the opportunity to serve as President of the East Texas Angus Association, President of the Texas Angus Association, and as a Director of the American Angus Association.
Following his retirement in 2001, Dr. Marshall thoroughly enjoyed his close friend group respectfully referred to as “RODEO”, retired old doctors eating out. After eating he often joined his card playing buddies for additional stimulating conversation and intellectual sparring that would have been worthy of ticket sales.
Dr. Marshall always said that none of his public success would have been possible without the support, encouragement, and enabling from the love of his life, Patricia. His passions were Patricia, family, medicine, Clear Creek Farm, and reading. He enjoyed the outdoors, astronomy, fishing, and bird watching. His mind sought diversity.
Visitation will be at Rader Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday March 23. Family will have a private graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery at 10:00 am Tuesday March 24 followed by a memorial service at the First Baptist Church of Longview 11:00 am Tuesday.
The family is eternally grateful for the care provided by Dr. Bandon Riddle, Dr. Lewis Browne, Dr. Rodney Henry, Dr. Jay Chastain, and the staff of Good Shepherd Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Medical Center or the Laura Blanche Jackson Lectureship at Baylor University.
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