To say Marshall Robert Aldriedge was a people person is an understatement. He LOVED people. Though born with an outgoing personality, his capacity to genuinely love and care for others was perfected through his relationship with Christ. He embodied the words of Jesus, A new command I give you: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other (John 13:34). On Sunday January 17, 2021, surrounded by his wife and children, Marshall went to meet the One whom he loved most. He had valiantly fought a ten-year battle with cancer. He was 62 years old.
Marshall was born in Fort Worth, Texas on July 6, 1958 to Jack and Irene Aldriedge. The third of four brothers, he spent a lively childhood in the country before moving to the canals of Lakeview Circle in Arlington. He liked to joke that his mother “taught him to drive on I-20,” although that was well before it opened as a major interstate. His favorite activities included fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and raising wild animals as pets. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1977.
After high school, Marshall attended Abilene Christian University where he participated in many activities including Galaxy Social Club and A Cappella Chorus. He graduated from ACU in 1981 with a Business Administration degree and married the one he cherished and adored, Laurie Kay Harrell, on March 20, 1982. Together for over 38 years, they learned to fully appreciate the blessings of life while navigating the storms. Their greatest blessings are their four children: Stephen Harrell, Hunter Robert, Tyler Marshall and Christine Taylor.
After moving to the Dallas area in 1982, Marshall owned a Farmers Insurance Agency for 35 years where clients became friends and employees became family. Serving in a church family was at the center of Marshall’s life. From 1982 to 1991, he attended church in East Dallas and worked with children from the inner city by transporting them to church, teaching Bible classes, hosting parties, and being a father to the fatherless. Since 1991, he has been an active member of Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland where he served as a deacon until his death. He used his many talents to serve the Lord including: eyes to see the needs of others, a conversational approach to sharing God’s word, a beautiful tenor voice, giving generously, and even amateur acting skills in Vacation Bible Schools and children’s Bible classes.
Marshall and Laurie’s four children were the joy of his life. He participated in school and sporting events, 12 years of Indian Guide and Princess campouts, daddy/daughter dances, yearly vacations, and countless outdoor adventures. He taught his children to love nature, and he pointed them to the Creator who made it.
Marshall was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Laurie; sons, Stephen and wife Meredith of Austin; Hunter of Garland; Tyler of Dallas; and daughter, Christine of Temple. He is also survived by brothers, Randy and wife Kim of Arlington; Mark and wife Terri of Abilene; and Jay and wife Marta of Irving and by loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
A family graveside service will be held at Holloway Cemetery in Luella, TX. A public Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 27 at 10:30 am at Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agape Asia Foundation (Notate: IDN - Marshall Aldriedge,) 608 Preserve Place, Peachtree City, GA 30269 or New Life Behavior International, 1209 Northwest Highway #315, Garland, TX 75041.