Melvin Vernie Marshall

Melvin Vernie Marshall, 69, of Scottsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his home.  Born on August 4, 1956, he was a son of the late James Vernie and Pearl Elizabeth (Morris) Marshall.

He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Bill Hutchinson, Steve Irving, Tommie Collier, Kenny Catlett, Jimmy Hayton, Gary Morgan and sisters-in-law, Linda Marshall, Brenda Hayton, Brenda Catlett, and Michele Catlett.

After 32 years of service, Melvin retired from his Locksmith Senior position at the University of Virginia Facilities Management.  He started his UVA career in 1974 as an hourly trades helper steadily advancing through the years.  Notable achievements during his career include keying many capital projects such as John Paul Jones Arena, expansion of Scott Stadium, MR-5, and the West Hospital Expansion.  In addition, he embraced the opportunity in 1976 to support the very successful visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and was recognized for his superior effort. He had many wonderful memories about working alongside his Facilities Management colleagues, many he considered family, on special events like UVA graduation and snow removal.   After retiring from UVA, Melvin was able to return to his love for cars by being a mechanic working alongside his brother-in-law Joey Bishop at West River Auto.  

He enjoyed numerous hobbies including golfing, fishing, hunting, riding Harley’s, riding 4-wheelers, and doing small engine repairs in his garage.  His grandchildren always said, “Give it to Papa, he can fix anything” and they truly believe that.  He embraced the opportunity to travel cross-country and many other wonderful trips on his Harley. Sharing many enjoyable moments with his family and friends seeing the country from a unique perspective during his travels. 

Melvin was surrounded by an abundance of love. Survivors include his loving wife of 39 years, Teresa Catlett Marshall, who stayed by his side continuously providing unconditional love and support; his loving children - Christy Marshall, Shannon Marshall (January), Eric Spradlin (Jennifer) and Stacey Marshall (Tommy Tigert); grandchildren - Collin Coleman (Kayla), Caleb Spradlin, Riley Spradlin (Camron), Hayley Marshall, Hunter Marshall, Peyton Spradlin, Cadence Tigert, Kinsley Spradlin; great-grandchildren - Daniel and Bobby Coleman; siblings - Jimmy Marshall, Kenny Marshall, Helen Marshall, Ethel Hutchinson, Shirley Irving, Rachel Collier; sisters/brothers-in-law - Carole Catlett, Al Catlett (Jane), Karen Morgan, Mike Catlett (Ysabel), Mary Bishop (Joey); numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family and close friends. 

His family would like to thank all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at the UVA Cancer Center, 5 West, STICU 5th floor, NeuroICU 6th floor, 5 North, 5 Central for their love, kindness, and support. Also, the nurses and staff at Hospice of the Piedmont for their compassion, love, and care during this trying time. The family would also like to thank the many relatives, friends, neighbors, and members of the Scottsville community for their continued support during this trying time.

A service in celebration of Melvin’s life will be held at a later date.  

Donations can be made in memory of Melvin to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Pkwy., Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911, or UVA Dept. of Otolaryngology, Dr. Katherine Fedder, PO Box 800713, Charlottesville, VA 22908.

Thacker Brothers Scottsville Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin Vernie Marshall, please visit our floral store.