Much loved husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa-with-the-wheels, Marshall Clark Silvis of Gloucester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.
Clark was born on August 18, 1928 to Vernie and Alfred Silvis in South Bend, Pa. He joined an older sister, Thelma, and they later welcomed Milly. He was raised to work hard on the farm and later served two tours in the Army. He served October 1946 through March 1948 in Japan, where he received the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. Later in Germany, December 1955 to December 1958, Clark received the Good Conduct Medal and a Letter of Commendation from the President.
While in the Army he met Boyd Sheppard of Bellamy, who became a true brother to Clark. Boyd also introduced Clark to his little sister, Cassie Mae. Years later, when Cassie Mae was grown, Clark married her on June 13, 1957. They shared 56 years together and had two children, Richard and Mary Elizabeth.
Clark worked diligently with his good friend, Zeke Finney, his children, and many fine people at Rappahannock Concrete for 30+ years. He took great pride in his work and instilled that ethic in many. Prior to his retirement and afterwards, he was known for his service to Bellamy United Methodist Church, and to many of the youth as an encourager and tennis coach. Even in his later years, he coached seniors in tennis and participated in churches, both in Bellamy and Leesburg, until his health began to fail. Cassie Mae remained faithfully at his side and even graduated from nursing assistant school to better care for Clark.
Clark was a man who has left quite a legacy for the beautiful redhead he married, to his two children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and generations to come. He lived life to the fullest, serving God, loving his family, modeling a strong work ethic, and managing to both tease and encourage others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Vernie Silvis; parents-in-law, Marshall and Mary Sheppard; one sister, Thelma Henderson; brothers-in-law, Boyd Sheppard and Ed Rosborough, and nephews, Keith Sheppard and Brad Rosborough.
Clark is survived by his wife, Cassie Mae; children, Richard and Mary, and their spouses Cheryl and Charlie; grandchildren, Jason and wife Christina, Judson, Jared and wife Dawn, Clay, Nicole, and Jessie. He has three great-grandchildren, Kathleen, Troy, and Jackson, the joy of his life. He also leaves behind his sister, Milly Rosborough; brother-in-law, Carl Henderson, and numerous relatives in Pennsylvania, and sisters- and brother-in-law, Libby and Paul Kladler, Peggy Sheppard, and many relatives and friends in Virginia.
The Silvis-Sanders Family would like to thank their compassionate friends and supporters in Virginia, Florida, Texas, and all across the states, even Canada. Special thanks go to Lions Hospice, his favorite nurse, Julia, and Chaplain Kevin. You have blessed us with friendship, caring, encouragement, and support through many years. May God return those blessings to you.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 12:30-2 p.m. with funeral services starting at 2 o’clock by the Rev. Robert Woodfin. Burial was in Bellamy Memorial Cemetery.
Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va., was in charge of arrangements.