The Shadow
BUENA VISTA, Va. (VR) – Timothy O. Marshall, Sr., Material Handling Truck Operator, Buena Vista territory, Blue Ridge Division of Norfolk Southern Railroad retired, last Thursday, after 36 years of service.
“Tim was one of our best railroaders and an even better person,” said Patrick Otey, Assistant Division Manager. “Working everyday with him and his positive outlook is always a pleasure, he will be missed,” added Otey.
After completing his military service in the United States Army, Marshall returned to his hometown of Clifton Forge and followed in the footsteps of his father, the late Otis M. Marshall, Sr., by joining the railroad.
Marshall’s father was employed by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. By the time Marshall returned to Clifton Forge, the C&O, now merged with CSX, had closed the Clifton Forge repair shop.
Marshall joined Northern Southern in 1988, where he did a lot of traveling. “A lot of the work was hard, but it was good work,” said Marshall of his early years.
Three of Marshall’s brothers also joined him at NS during his early years. Richard Heighter, III and Hubert and David Marshall. While Hubert and David no longer work for NS, Heighter is still there. He will be eligible to retire next year.
Marshall credits NS for giving him an opportunity to travel, earn a decent living, and retire with a great retirement plan and good insurance. He leaves to continue the Marshall Railroad Legacy, two of his sons: Brandon and Adrin. Brandon began his career in 2010 and Adrin joined in 2022. Brandon runs the lead tamper on the local smoothing gang and Adrin is quickly making his mark.
The Marshalls “are part of the driving force behind our trains in Buena Vista, VA,” according to NS’ Facebook Page. They “are instrumental to the success of the Blue Ridge Division’s Maintenance of Way & Structures Team. With Tim’s retirement, we’re excited to see Brandon and Adrin carry on this incredible family tradition,” the FB post concluded.
Marshall is planning on doing some fishing, enjoying his grandchildren, and some bucket list traveling in retirement. He and his wife, Jennifer, plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Red Cedar Forest, and the Colorado Rocky Mountains, to name a few places. Otherwise, he is looking forward to late risings from his warm bed as the next generation of Marshall Railroad Men take on the early mornings, long hours, and inclement weather working conditions.
