United Way of Central Texas Presenting WWI Veteran and Spouse with the Ralph Wilson Volunteer of the Year Award at Tonight's Ralph Wilson Charity Golf Classic Dinner
Temple, Texas - April 07, 2014 - The United Way of Central Texas (UWCT) will be presenting the 2013 Ralph Wilson Volunteer of the Year Award at tonight's Ralph Wilson Charity Golf Classic Dinner at 6:00 pm to Keifer and Sammie Marshall. The presentation will take place at Wildflower Country Club in Temple, Texas. The agency traditionally presents this award at the annual UWCT Award Luncheon, but this year, has decided to hold a Supporter Appreciation Picnic on May 8th.
The award was created in 2007 as a tribute to Dr. Ralph Wilson and the great work he did in our community. His outstanding impact touched the lives of countless people in Central Texas through his support of a number of organizations including the United Way. The Ralph Wilson Charity Golf Classic was started by Dr. Ralph Wilson and has been carried out each year in his memory by his wife Sharon Wilson and daughter Janice Wilson.
“Dr. Ralph Wilson was an example for all of us,” United Way of Central Texas Executive Director Ann Thompson said. “We have decided to present our most prestigious campaign award at the golf class because the event exists all because of his volunteer serving heart and he truly embodied the spirit of United Way’s philosophy to Give, Advocate, Volunteer and LIVE UNITED.”
Thompson said Keifer and Sammie Marshall have been supports of the United Way of Central Texas for over 50 years.
"Keifer and Sammie have been dedicated UWCT volunteers and donors for many decades and have set the bar high for those in the community to follow in their footsteps," she said. "Our community is a better place because of the personal work they do through so many agencies and organizations. We are honored to present them the 2013 Ralph Wilson Volunteer of the Year Award."
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are longtime Temple, Texas residents and United Way supporters. Mr. Marshall was born and raised in Temple, Texas. He attended Temple High School and played in
the All Star Game in 1943, which led to a football scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin.
Upon his arrival at UT, he met his wife, University of Texas at Austin Sweetheart Sammie Marshall. Soon after, Mr. Marshall left for World War II and joined the United States Marine Corp., 3rd Division, 9th Regiment, F. Company, 2nd Battalion as a rifleman. In 1945, he was involved in the bloodiest battle in the history of the Marine Corp., the Battle of Iwo Jima. During this battle, his company was cut off from reinforcements and supplies for 36 hours. Out of the 250 men in his company, he was one of three or four who survived. During his two year service, Sammie wrote to Kiefer every day.
After WWII, Mr. Marshall returned to UT to complete his BBA and returned to the Longhorn football team. He also married Sammie in 1948. After UT, he attended Southern Methodist University and obtained a graduate of insurance and marketing degree in 1951. After college, Mr. Marshall returned to Temple and pursued a very successful career in insurance. He also served as the mayor of Temple from 1998-2002. He is a recipient of the most prestigious honor awarded by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution—the DAR Medal of Honor---presented to him in 2011. In January 2014 he was recognized by the Temple Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Drayton and Elizabeth McLane Community Service Award. Recently in March, Congressman John Carter presented Mr. Marshall with a tribute in the congressional record.
Mrs. Marshall is also highly involved in the City of Temple. She personally organized and served as president of the Friends of Temple Public Library organization. She was very involved in local schools, by serving as the president of the Jefferson Elementary School and Lamar Junior High School Parent Teacher Association.
The Marshall's are members of Christ Episcopal Church in Temple. Mrs. Marshall served as the president of the Women of Christ Episcopal Church for three years. She was a dedicated member of the Junior League of Temple and also served as a board member of the Cultural Activities Center and Festival of Arts. Mrs. Marshall is a lifetime member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas.
Keifer and Sammie Marshall love the city of Temple. They are a vital piece to making the local community a better place to live and together have been a powerful force that has moved Temple in a positive direction.
Thompson said award the award is an opportunity for the community to recognize the hard work of Keifer and Sammie Marshall as volunteers, who has gone above and beyond effort to help.
“Attributes for individuals nominated for this award are people who have advocated positive change in the community through their voice, actions and support; and has dedicated countless hours to volunteering their time to help make Central Texas a better place for all to live,” she said. "This is the Marshalls."
For more information about the Ralph Wilson Volunteer of the Year Award or UWCT, please call (254) 778-8616.