The tradition of charity has been an important part of American society from the very beginning. Regrettably, effective solutions
to our many social problems are often elusive and in spite of reforms by both philanthropy and government, our community is still very much divided by rich and poor. Fortunately, through the leadership of Roy Marshall, executive director of The United Way in Sevier County, the challenge of alleviating human suffering and maximizing personal potential has been embraced by a small, but dedicated army of local volunteers.
Although raised in Sevierville, Roy Blevins Marshall was actually born in Maryville on August 27, 1946. The son of remarkable parents, his father Amos, an analytical chemist in Oak Ridge for 35 years, also served on the Sevierville City Council for 24 years, 8 of which as the vice mayor. Roy’s mother Edna created the first Head Start program in Sevier County. But, the Marshall family’s legacy of public service goes back much farther. Roy’s great
grandfather, Amos T. Marshall was the second mayor of Sevierville, serving between 1904-1908 and his son, Marshall’s grandfather; Roy C. Marshall occupied the office from 1933 until his untimely death in 1938.
Young Marshall grew up during a simpler time with his younger sister Judy in their great grandfather’s house on the corner of Park Road and Prince Street. A member of the Beta Club, Roy also lettered in 3 sports while attending Sevier County High
School before graduating, along with Dolly Parton in the class of 1964. Originally recruited to play football for Virginia Tech, Marshall found studying engineering to be a better investment of his time, but he did join the school’s track team before transferring to the University of Tennessee 2 years later, where he would earn a degree in industrial engineering in 1969.
A member of the US Army Reserve while in college, Specialist Marshall went on to serve a year of active duty once he finished school. Although he would remain in the reserves until 1975, Roy began his professional life upon completion of his active duty when he went to Miami, Florida and started working for Eastern Airlines in 1970. In the years since, Marshall’s professions have required him to live in a variety of cities, only occasionally visiting his East Tennessee home.
Wanting to be closer to his aging parents, Roy and his wife LeAnn moved their family to Knoxville in 1995. A decade later, he sold his business and began to consider what to do with the rest of his life. Marshall ultimately decided that he wanted a career that would allow him to directly affect people’s lives in a positive way. Then, in 2005 he learned that the United Way of Sevier County was searching for an executive director. Not only did this seem to be just what he was looking for, but he would be helping people in his own home town.
Leaders learn by leading, and they best learn to lead by addressing obstacles. Just as the weather shapes the mountains, great challenges shape leaders. Roy Marshall understands that to give a man a fish, he may eat today. But, to actually achieve self sufficiency, he must also learn to fish. Then, the growing community has to offer the opportunity for sustenance, because a community without opportunity is asking a man to go fishing without a pole.
Henry Piarrot is a lodging manager in Sevier County, TN. Please send all story recommendations to hpiarrot@yahoo.com