Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 19, 2026

Wilson Benson Marsh Jr., 99, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Ben was born on January 28, 1927, in Marshville, NC, the only child of Rosa Mae Gray and Wilson Benson Marsh Sr. He enlisted in the Army in 1944 at the age of 17 and was stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey, California.

Ben returned home after the war and studied engineering at North Carolina State University. He graduated in 1950 and joined Duke Power Company that same year. He met the love of his life, Mary Katherine McDonald, on a blind date, and they married in 1951.

Ben's career at Duke Power included transmission and substation design, as well as work in the areas of corrosion and lightning. He was known as a problem solver.

Ben and Kathy were early members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, where he served as a deacon, elder, session member, and trustee. He and Kathy were instrumental in founding the Best Years Club for those 60 and older. A loving and supportive father, Ben was active in various community efforts, assisting with Scouting, school projects, and anything that involved tools. In his later years, Ben always reminded us to "continue to enjoy life!"

Ben was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Mary Katherine McDonald Marsh, and his parents. He is survived by his son, Bruce (Leigh) Marsh and their sons, Andrew (Jordan) and David (Julia); daughter Karen (Mike) King; daughter Katrina (Scott) Sarlin; and son Alan (Lillian) Marsh and their children, Daniel, Joseph, Hannah, Rebekah, Elizabeth, Nathan, and Alexander.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at Givens Aldersgate. We will be forever grateful for the wonderful care Ben received on Parker Terrace and at Asbury. Each person who interacted with and supported Ben brought quality to his life, and he thanked them daily.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Owen Stepp and Rev. Leslie Dibble officiating. Interment will be private at Forest Lawn West Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed; please see the church website for information if you are unable to attend in person.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ben's memory to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 101 Colville Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 (westminstercharlotte.org).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.