Franklin Smith Marsh

Franklin "Frank" Smith Marsh, a beloved father, husband and grandfather and a dedicated fisherman passed away March 1, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born December 11, 1941 in Dallas County, Alabama to the late Percy Smith Marsh and Helen Eura Hicks Marsh.

Mr. Frank, as he was affectionately known, was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Marsh; sister, Shirley Morgan and brother, Laymond Marsh.

He is survived by his daughters, Lissa (Frank) Johnson, Darlene (Phillip) Smyly; grandchildren, Matthew (Jennifer) Smyly, Bryan (Genevieve) Johnson and Michael (Anya) Smyly; great-grandchildren, Morgan Bearden, Reid Smitherman, Leo, Kylie, Alex and Adeline Johnson and Hagen Smyly; great-great-grandchildren, Wynston McCurley and Hutton Bearden; sister, Teresa Grant and a host of niece, nephews and a community of friends who will remember him every time they see a fishing boat.

He was a long-time dedicated member of the Selma Seventh Day Adventist Church for 50 years and loved the Lord. He was a butcher for Zeigler's packing house for 15 years and the maintenance man for Morgan Academy for 14 years. He developed a love for fishing at a young age, a passion that lasted throughout his life. He could usually be found on the water with a fishing pole in his hand, looking for the next "big catch" and the ability to tell a great fish story - some true, some exaggerated. Some of his happiest moments were on a pond, lake or creek casting lines with family and friends. He taught many people how to tie a hook, bait a line and how to catch tree fish but most importantly, to appreciate the peace of nature. He passed on his love for fishing to his children and his favorite fishing buddies, his two sons-in-law and three grandboys.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home in Selma. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home with Pastor Martin Fancher officiating. Interment will follow at New Live Oak Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Smyly, Michael Smyly, Phillip Smyly, Bryan Johnson, Frankie Johnson and Reid Smitherman.