Alfonso Ozie Marshall
Alfonso Ozie Marshall
Alfonso Ozie Marshall, age 57, of Graceville, Florida, affectionately known as “Zoe” or “Poncho,” passed away on May 7, 2026, in Chipley, Florida, at the age of 57.
Born on October 24, 1968, in Graceville, Florida, he lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and a spirit that lifted the people around him. Alfonso was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl Marshall and Annie P. Williams, as well as his sisters, Irma J. Williams, Flora Hill, Pearlie “Coot” Jacks, Jeweline Thomas, and his brother Earl Marshall. Though their earthly journey ended before his, their memory remained a part of the foundation that shaped the man he became. He carried his family legacy with dignity, and he honored those who came before him through the way he lived, worked, and loved.
He is remembered with love by his sons, Malik Marshall and Xavier Smith both of Chipley, Florida, and by a wide circle of family and friends whose lives were touched by his gentle presence and steady heart; his brother John Marshall of Dothan, Alabama; sister, Mandia McKay (Riverview, Florida), Carolyn Morris (Charles) of Dothan, Alabama, Mary Catherine Thomas of Dothan, Alabama and Frances Lockridge (Albert) of Campbellton, Florida; sisters: Mandia McKay of Riverview, Florida, Carolyn Morris (Charles) of Dothan, Alabama, Mary Catherine Thomas of Dothan, Alabama and Frances Lockidge (Albert) of Graceville, Florida; an aunt, Lear V. Wilson of Campbellton, Florida; a uncle: Hill A. Williams of Monticello, Florida; nieces: Tammy Marshall of Dothan, Alabama, Marjorie McKay (Michael) of Virginia, Tina Weatherington (Ryan) of Texas, Kayre Cato of Cottonwood, Alabama, Dennisha Wieneke (Brent) of Campbellton, Florida, LaToya Broxton of Panama City, Florida, Bryana Smart of Graceville, Florida; nephews: Shawn Marshall of Graceville, Florida, Jayden Marshall of Huntsville, Alabama, Sedris Batson of Dothan, Alabama, Shawn Marshall, Al Hall of Dothan, Alabama; special friends: Tanya Watford of Graceville, Florida, Mike Avery of Campbellton, Florida, Catherine Bowden of Chipley, Florida and Nicole Broxton and Derrick Broxton of Graceville, Florida; and devoted cousin: Eric Wilson of Campbellton, Florida; he is also survived by many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends who will forever hold his memory close.
Alfonso attended Graceville High School in Graceville, Florida, and later continued his education at Florida Panhandle Technical College in Chipley, Florida, where he received his certification in electricity. He became a certificated electrician and took pride in his craft. His work was more than a job, because it was a reflection of who he was. He was dependable, skilled, and willing to use his hands to make life better for others. In every wire he connected and every task he completed, he demonstrated patience, purpose, and professionalism.
Beyond his work, Alfonso was a man who knew how to live with heart. He loved fishing and hunting, and he enjoyed talking junk to his family and friends in the way only someone with a playful spirit and a loving soul can do. He also loved helping his neighbors with whatever task needed to be done. That willingness to serve was one of his greatest gifts. He did not wait to be asked twice, and he did not need applause to do what was right. He simply showed up, and in doing so, he made life easier and brighter for those around him.
Those who knew Alfonso will remember him as selfless, gentle, and friendly. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence brought comfort, his words brought laughter, and his actions brought relief. He understood that a strong life is not measured only by what a person accomplishes for himself, but by how much good he leaves in the lives of others. Alfonso lived that truth every day.
He was also blessed with special friendships that became part of his extended family. Tanya Watford of Graceville, Florida, Mike Avery of Campbellton, Florida, Catherine Bowden of Chipley, Florida, Nicole Broxton of Graceville, Florida, Derrick Broxton of Graceville, Florida, and his devoted cousin Eric Wilson of Campbellton, Florida, all shared in the joy of knowing him. Their memories of him will remain a source of comfort and strength.
Alfonso Ozie Marshall’s life reminds us that greatness is not always loud. Sometimes greatness is found in a helping hand, a kind word, a loyal heart, and a life lived with humility. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and resilience that will continue to inspire those who knew him. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Alfonso made people feel valued, supported, and loved, and that is a legacy that will endure.
Memorialization will be by cremation with a service commemorating his life to be announced by the family, under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.