Ernest H Marshburn

Ernest H. Marshburn, (Ernie) age 82, of Dothan, Alabama, died Wednesday morning, November 1st, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family. Ernie was born on January 10th, 1935 in Richlands, N.C. He was the son of the late Kirby Wilbur Marshburn and Eva Dare (Mazingo) Marshburn; he was also preceded in death by a sister Betty Jane Marshburn.

Ernie will be forever remembered by his loving wife of 37 years Dianne Kent Marshburn and their precious children, Kay Marshburn Keel (Lloyd), Bryant Marshburn (Carla) , Lee Kent (Julia), and Lesley Kent Marshall; a brother, Earl Marshburn (Jean), and sisters Helen Marshburn Wilson (Jim) & Linda (Mazingo) Hanner, and sister-in-law, Vickie Shepherd (David).

He is also survived by his grandchildren, who brought him much joy and happiness, Beau Keel (Beth), Andrew Keel, Harmony Marshburn, Grace Marshburn, Audrey Kent, Blake Kent, Hollis Rane, and Kate Rane, and two great grandchildren Cooper and Carter Keel. Ernie will also be remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and his Caregivers Sheri Nobles and Ash Jones, and by the Progressors Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church and many dear friends.

Ernie graduated from Richlands High School, Richlands, N.C. in 1953. He graduated with a B.A. degree from Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, N.C. in 1958, 1959-1962 he attended Southeast Alabama Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina. He completed his M.S .degree in Counseling and Psychology in 1977 from Troy State University, Dothan, Alabama. Ernie was a true Wake Forest Demon Deacon and a Die Hard Alabama Fan.

He retired in 2016 from the State of Alabama Department of Correction, Ventress Correctional Facility as Drug Program Supervisor. From 1983-1991 he was employed with Wiregrass Mental Health as a Community Consultant, Alcoholism Counselor, Outpatient Coordinator of Substance Abuse and Director of The Haven,1961-1972 he served as Director of Boy’s Clubs of America in Greensboro, N.C, Jacksonville ,Fl. and Dothan, Alabama.

After his retirement he served as a Private Contractor for the Wiregrass Mental Health Board Self -Discovery Program and Substance Abuse Prevention/Intervention Services. In addition, he served as a Private Contractor for Bradford Health Services.

Ernie was very community minded. He was honored to have been chosen to carry the Olympic Torch through the heart of the city of Dothan on its journey to Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate the opening of the 1995 Summer Olympic Games. In addition, he was a well- rounded athlete, a Championship Swimmer for Wake Forest University Swim Team. He excelled in baseball, basketball, and track and continued his love of running in his later years, running many Marathons and Triathlons. Ernie was also a member of the Southeast Alabama Community Theater where he participated in several community plays.

Ernie was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Dothan. The Celebration of his Life will be held at The First United Methodist of Dothan on Saturday, November 4th 2017 at 4:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors from 2:30 to 4:00 in the church parlor.

The family wishes to thank Wiregrass Caregivers, Kindred Hospice, the Progressors Sunday School class and Dr. Roddy Cook and Staff for all their love and support. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Dothan We Care Program or the Progressors Sunday School Class.