BURGESS—Dr. Samuel Francis Marston, 79, of Burgess died on August 24, 2025, at VCU Medical Hospital in Richmond.
Dr. Sam, as he was affectionately known, was born during a vicious snow storm at his family farm in Wilsons on January 24, 1946. He was a caring and devoted veterinarian within several local communities.
Dr. Sam began his career working under Dr. James Hundley in Heathsville during the summer of 1970 after completing graduate school from the University of Georgia and soon became a partner of Dr. Hundley’s practice.
Dr. Sam was integral in opening the Kilmarnock, Hartfield and Warsaw Animal Clinics. He worked across those locations for over 50 years including part-time after retirement at the Tri-County Animal Hospital in Mattaponi.
Dr. Sam was very well known and respected by his clients—and their animals—for his kindness, caring and sense of humor. If not at the office, there were so many days and nights where he would make house calls which reflected Dr. Sam’s passion for service to his community.
Dr. Sam is survived by his wife, Gayle; his children, Sarah (Mike) McCormick, James (Beth) Marston and Philip (Amanda) Marston; and his grandchildren, Gunnar Marston, Lauren and Samantha Marston, and Grant and Sadie McCormick. He is also survived by his siblings, Gwen Clark, Donnie, Gill and David Marston.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Emily Gayle Marston.
Dr. Sam was a beloved husband, father, brother and son.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 29, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Heathsville, where Dr. Sam will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Sam Marston’s name to: Thomas Palliative Care Unit (4th floor) at VCU Medical Center North Hospital, 1300 E. Marshall Street Richmond, VA 23219 as well as the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck Inc., PO Box 975, White Stone, VA 22578.
May his life be a lesson to all of us as the example of kindness, generosity and forgiveness we should all strive to emulate.
