Charles William 'Bill' Marshall, 79

WILMINGTON - Charles William "Bill" Marshall, of Wilmington, passed away in his home in Charlotte, N.C., on the evening of Dec. 8, 2008. He was 79. Bill was born in Delaware on Sept. 19, 1929. He was the son of the late Donnell and Dorothy Baylis Marshall. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 25, 1947. During his enlistment he served on the USS Rochester, the USS Whitehall - PCE 856, he spent time at the USNTC in Great Lakes, Ill., he also served on the USS John W. Thompson and finished his service on the USS Buck. Bill received an Honorable Discharge on Oct. 25, 1954. Bill worked various jobs during his life and lived in many different places throughout the United States. He enjoyed traveling throughout the world with the company of some of his best friends. Bill also enjoyed very much spending time with his late Aunt Helen Graham Baylis, whom he cared for later in her life. He had many fond memories of his time spent with Helen. In 1995, shortly after Bill retired, he moved to Orlando, Fla. He continued to remain close with his friends and always welcomed them into his home. He had a love for entertaining, preparing wonderful meals, hosting cocktail receptions and entertaining parties. Bill continued to enjoy his retirement in Florida and always enjoyed making new friends. In May of 2007, Bill relocated to Charlotte, N.C., and continued to enjoy his retirement, he said he like the slower paced life in Charlotte. In early 2008, Bill became ill and was diagnosed with cancer. He accepted the cards he'd been dealt and made the most of every day. In June, Bill received some assistance from Hospice and made plans to stay in his house with the help of Hospice and his close friends. He had a big 79th Birthday celebration in his favorite restaurant with his close friends. He had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner in his home. When Bill passed away peacefully Monday night he was surrounded by his friends and his faithful companion Liebchen (Miniature Schnauzer). He was a dear person and will be missed by many people. His final wishes are to be buried at his family plot in Milford. His memorial service will be held at Milford Community Cemetery (formerly Milford Odd Fellows Cemetery) on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Bill's request was that donations be made to Charlotte Hospice and Palliative Care, 1420 East Seventh St., Charlotte, NC 28204.