Marshall H. Waren

Marshall Hughes Waren, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, loving husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant to his community, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on July 14, 1949, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Marshall was the son of Helen and George Ed Waren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Robert Lyon Waren.

Marshall graduated from Fayetteville Senior High School, where he excelled in basketball and golf. He continued his education at Elon College and, in 1969, married his high school sweetheart, Sandee Yarborough.

Marshall began his professional career in insurance with Pilot Life, where he was guided by trusted mentors, Ace Parker & Harvey Oliver. In the early 1980s, he founded Planned Investment Company and Employee Benefit Systems. With vision and determination, he built a successful business and, in 1997, convinced his son Hughes to change careers and join the company. Together, along with a dedicated team, they grew the business until Marshall retired in 2001.

Throughout his life, Marshall used his talents not only to build businesses but to serve others. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch several ventures, including CityView, a Fayetteville lifestyle magazine he held especially dear.

Marshall’s faith was evident in the way he invested in people, especially young people. He joyfully coached a championship church league basketball team at St. John’s Episcopal Church and led the Fayetteville Martins AAU boys’ basketball team, mentoring players both on and off the court. He celebrated their successes, including Division-1 college scholarships, and later helped bring the AAU National Tournament to Fayetteville.

His servant’s heart extended to the Fayetteville YMCA, where he volunteered, served on the board, and eventually became President. Through his leadership, and alongside Ken Lancaster, he helped bring the ACC All-Star Classic to Fayetteville to support the YMCA’s mission. He also served on the Cumberland County Civic Center Commission, contributing to the development of the Crown Coliseum Complex.

Marshall’s commitment to serving others extended into healthcare and community outreach. Recognizing the need for accessible healthcare, he was a founding member and chaired the capital campaign to establish The Care Clinic, which provides free medical services to those in need. He also served as a founding board member of Connections of Cumberland County, an organization dedicated to empowering women at risk of homelessness. He remained as an active board member until his death.

Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Marshall had a lifelong love of golf, becoming a scratch golfer and winning six club championships at Highland Country Club. He also treasured time spent with his grandsons, often traveling with them to national and regional USTA junior tennis tournaments across the country, creating lasting memories filled with love and encouragement.

Above all, Marshall’s faith was central to his life. His deep love for Jesus Christ guided him, and he was passionate about sharing his faith with others leading his weekly bible study group.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sandee Waren; his son, Marshall Hughes Waren, Jr. (Janet); and his grandchildren, Marshall Hughes Waren III (fiancée Madi) and Ensign Griffith MacDonald Waren. He is also survived by his brother, Eddie Waren (Donna); his sister-in-law, Maree Harnsberger (Andy); and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Marshall’s life and faith will be held at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Westmont Dr, Fayetteville, NC on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held in the gathering hall at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Care Clinic (www.thecareclinic.org), Connections of Cumberland County (www.connectionsofcc.org) or Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory, Inc.