Edward Aubrey Marshall

Edward Aubrey Marshall, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rod and Ethel Marshall and beloved wife Mary of 66 years in 2013.

Aubrey is survived by five sons: William Marshall, M.D. (Angie), Bob Marshall (Susan), Rick Marshall (Betty), Barry Marshall, O.D. (Barbara), Mike Marshall (Becky), ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

As a life-long resident of Gulfport, Aubrey left Gulfport High School in 1942 to join the U.S Marine Corps. He served in World War II in the Pacific and the Okinawan Islands Operation for which he received the Gold Battle Star.

After completing his military service, he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in just three years.

At USM he met the love of his life, Mary Katherine Fertitta.

On June 1, 1947, in Hattiesburg, MS, they were married in a triple wedding ceremony including two of Mary's older sisters.  All three couples, along with their extended families, were reunited to celebrate an extraordinarily unique triple 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Although family was the primary focus of his life, Aubrey was also active in church, community and business. As a businessman for 55 years, Aubrey owned and operated Marshall's Books, Gifts & Hallmark stores, in three different Gulfport locations. He served as President of the Gulfport Downtown Merchants Association and was a Member of the Southeastern and American Booksellers Associations and the National Federation of Independent Business.

As a community volunteer, he belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street USA, Young Men's Business, Gridiron and Elks Clubs.

Affectionately known as Skinner, Aubrey was a Member of the Great Southern Golf Club, Bayou View Tennis Group, and a Charter Member of the Gulfport Yacht Club.

He actively supported the United Way, Salvation Army, St. John Catholic Church and The Nourishing Place.

As a young man, he loved playing the drums. This passion led to a lifetime interest in music that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. For many years he played drums professionally along the Gulf Coast in the Skyliners Orchestra covering events at the Broadwater, Buena Vista, and Edgewater Hotels, Keesler Officer's Club, and all of the Gulf Coast Yacht Clubs.

The family gratefully appreciates Barbara Jefferson and Cathy Wilks for their compassionate care of Aubrey during his time of need.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at The Nourishing Place Church, 606 Tennessee Street, Gulfport. Visitation: 1-2 pm. and celebration of life beginning at 2 pm followed by a private family burial service.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Memories may be shared online at www.riemannfamily.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: The Nourishing Place Church, P.O. Box 7785, Gulfport, MS 39506.