Christopher Marsh

Christopher Marsh was born in Pensacola, Florida, on August 15, 1958, to the late Sallie Lee Marsh and the late Robert Marsh. He traveled through many different cities until his father settled and retired in the military while living in Portsmouth, Virginia. As a child, Chris enjoyed summers in Florida with his maternal grandmother, the late Mae Nora Cunningham. He was her shadow, and their love for one another was radiant. He cherished the many lessons learned while helping her maintain her garden.

In secondary school, his favorite subject was history, and he was fascinated with the field of law. After receiving his high school diploma, he earned a certification in brick masonry. He also earned his Commercial Driver’s License (CDLs) and drove commercial trucks. To say Chris was a hard worker would be an understatement. He wore many hats; a true jack of all trades. Chris picked up part-time jobs as they became available. He helped unload trucks, installed flooring in new buildings, washed and detailed cars, and built decks. He could be considered the most hired man in America because you could meet him today and hire him by tomorrow.

Chris loved God profoundly and openly professed his love for God to anyone who would listen. On his last day, he had followed through with his regular morning routine, which included: reading his bible, completing his devotional while listening to gospel music (his favorite was Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp), making a fresh cup of dark brewed coffee, walking his forever friend who he called “Josephine Baker,” and calling all of his buddies (specifically Risa and Adrian) to tell them about his morning. His 365-day devotional bible was last bookmarked on Sunday, May 23, 2021, at the time of his passing. He was saved, had devoted his life to Christ, and had recently expressed his desire to grow closer to God. He wanted to be pleasing in God’s sight and was doing his best to fulfill that desire.

A storyteller in his own right, Chris had the unique ability to capture your attention and keep you intrigued with the way he told stories. He shared his life experiences in various forms as an artist, a narrator, and a poet. He really had a gift with words. In his last three weeks, he spent many hours reflecting on his journey through life.  A true historian, Chris could tell you the history of every street in Portsmouth. He was a walking encyclopedia.

Chris also viewed himself as a consultant. If he could connect you with anyone to better your situation, then he would do just that. He was protective and was willing to get into “good trouble” to make sure everyone was safe. Chris was indeed a good person. He hated to see anything bad happen to anyone. He would not allow an injustice to occur on his watch. He would step in and help others, even if that meant he would be the one to bear the consequences. Chris was bold and lived without fear. He was not one to hold his tongue. He never missed the opportunity to affirm those around him. Out of nowhere, he would look at you and say, “you know you’re pretty too . . . yep” or “you know you’re a hustler too . . . yep.” He left no room for you to wonder if he loved you or not. Additionally, his love language was an act of service. If you called Chris to ask for a favor, he would make his way to you even if that meant he had to catch three buses to get to the location.

Recently, he had begun developing a deep love for learning how to cook. His favorite dishes made by others were baked Spaghetti (made by Dani), beef tips and mashed potatoes (from Texas Roadhouse), and sausage, rice, and gravy with extra sausage and extra gravy (from Mama Chan’s).  He had no trouble eating the entire pot of chicken vegetable soup without leaving a single drop for anyone else, whenever Armeatrics cooked it.  His favorite sweets were popsicles and butter pecan ice cream.

Up until his passing, he was civically engaged and spoke out on social injustices. He was proud when he voted for the first time in the 2020 Presidential Election. You could also find him glued to the TV watching Law & Order, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Family Feud, Dallas Cowboy football games, CNN, and various news outlets on an average day.

He was a lover of family and a blend of all of his siblings. Like Wanda, he was protective and resilient. No matter what was thrown his way, he always bounced back. He was a go-getter with a strong will like Angela. He was truly unstoppable. He shared Adrian’s talkativeness and good humor. He was a social butterfly and could network in any room. His laugh was contagious, and he laughed so hard until he was out of breath. Chris adopted Armeatrics’ loving and forgiving spirit. He loved hard and was empathetic to those around him. He was adventurous and nosey like Bo. Chris was a professional eavesdropper. He embodied Carol’s giving heart and feisty spirit. He was willing to give his last for anyone. Just like Bobby, Chris was curious and charismatic. He was always eager to learn something new. As an uncle, he frequently bragged about all of his nieces/nephews.  He loved to showcase how accomplished they were and laughed profusely whenever he had proof to show anyone who doubted what he was saying. He loved his family immensely.

He is preceded in death by mother Sallie Lee Marsh, father Robert “Bobby” Marsh, maternal grandmother Mae Nora Cunningham, paternal grandfather Roy Hugh Marsh, and sister Wanda Faye Atkins. He is survived by brothers Adrian Marsh (Lynette) of Pensacola, Florida, Daryl “Bo” Marsh of Portsmouth, Virginia, and Bobby Marsh (Tammy) of York County, Virginia; and sisters Angela Anderson (Robert) of Pensacola, Florida, Armeatrics Honoré of Suffolk Virginia, and Carol Marsh (Larry) of Jacksonville, Florida.   He also leaves to cherish his memory, his forever best friend Risa Johnson whom he loved dearly; his god-daughter Tamesha Copeleand; close friends, Adam Askew, Herbert “Boo” Macklin, and Tony “Tone” Martin; and a host of cousins, nieces/nephews, family, friends, and co-workers.  Although Chris did not have any children, he was a dog dad and will be deeply missed by his puppy Jo Jo “Josephine Baker” Honoré.

God called Chris into eternal rest on Monday, May 24, 2021, as he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Although Chris passed unexpectedly, he indeed lived more lives than a cat. Chris experienced something that so many of us are all chasing: freedom. His innately free spirit made him live life like no other. He was not bound by anything. He wrote his own rules, and he paved his own way. If ever you said he could not do something, he made sure he could. Stubborn, in true Leo fashion, Chris had to see and do everything for himself. It became quite clear not only that he was covered by Jesus, but also that he was favored as well. Like each and everyone of us, Christopher had a purpose in life and he rests knowing that he fulfilled it. He gave life everything he had to offer, and he did not miss any opportunities to do what he thought was right. Chris was truly indescribable. He didn’t just exist; he lived life to the fullest. He never gave up. While completing his assignment here on Earth, he touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed.