POUND, VA- Elbert Richard Marshall, Jr., 82, passed away on December 10, 2025. He was the son of the late Elbert Richard Marshall, Sr. and Lockie Baker Marshall, and was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald Dean Marshall and Cecil Edward "Ed" Marshall.

Born on March 26, 1943, in Norton, Virginia, Elbert was raised in the Indian Creek community of Pound, Virginia. He graduated from Pound High School in 1961 and continued his education at Clinch Valley College in Wise, Virginia.

Elbert enjoyed a distinguished 29-year career in journalism. He began as a sportswriter with the Bristol Herald Courier and worked for several newspapers, including the Bristol Virginia-Tennessean in Bristol, Virginia; the Princeton Times in Princeton, West Virginia; the Daily Corinthian in Corinth, Mississippi; The Morning Herald in Durham, North Carolina; and the Daily Times-News in Burlington, North Carolina. He later transitioned to the news desk at the Daily Times-News and continued in that role with the Courier-Tribune in Asheboro, North Carolina. Elbert went on to serve as editor of the North Myrtle Beach Times, the Myrtle Beach Journal in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the Anson Record in Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Elbert proudly served in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Fifth Class (E-5).

In 1994, Elbert became executive director of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce in Wadesboro, North Carolina. During his tenure, he played a key role in forming Uptown Wadesboro, Inc.; the Anson County Partnership for Children; the Leadership Anson development program; the annual Anson County Big-Game Hunt Tournament; and the Chamber

Open Golf Tournament.

Elbert was a past president of the Wadesboro Rotary Club and a proud recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship. He also served as secretary of the Anson Economic Development Corporation, chairman of the Anson County Partnership for Children, and secretary-treasurer of Uptown Wadesboro. His dedication to community service was recognized with the prestigious Dunlap Covington Award.

Alongside Sandra Bruney, Elbert co-founded Marshall Bruney Media Consultants, assisting small businesses in establishing an online presence through functional, interactive websites, as well as creating brochures and newspaper advertising.

He was an active member and director of the Pound Historical Society, contributing to the preservation of the community he loved.

After retiring from the Chamber of Commerce, Elbert embraced his passion for writing. He first collaborated with Sandy Bruney on Plotz, then went on to write numerous novels, including Nomad, Who Slew Bonnie Blue?, Emily Lied, Luke's Fluke, Rubicon, Dream Stalker, Skyland,

Dark Rose, Mirrors, Moonlight, Shadow, Murder in the Pound, and his final work, Red Crow.

Writing was more than a pastime for Elbert—it was a calling that showcased his imagination, creativity, and deep love of storytelling.

Elbert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carla H. Marshall; his sons, Elbert "Kit" Richard Marshall III (Melanie) of Grover, North Carolina, and John Wesley Marshall (Lindsay) of Marshville, North Carolina; James "Jay" Gilbert Harless II (Kim) of Alexandria, Virginia; grandsons, Ben Harless (Emily) of Asheboro, North Carolina, Jadon Marshall, and Mason; granddaughters, Hazley, Oaklyn, Rylee, and Peyton; and great-grandson, Declan. He is also survived by nieces Kimberly Mullins (Roderick) and Gina Bolling (Tim); great-niece Sarah Bolling Hogan (Dan); great-nephews Andrew Mullins (Andrea) and Seth Bolling; great-great-nieces Afton, Adeline, and Scarlet; and great-great-nephew Raylin.

Elbert was deeply devoted to his family, passionate about his craft, and committed to serving his community. His legacy of service, storytelling, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pound Historical Society

Baker Funeral Home-Pound, VA is serving the family of Elbert Richard Marshall, Jr.