Robert L. Marchman, III Enters Chapter Eternal
POSTED: 2011-11-28 :: LAST UPDATED: 2011-11-28, 16:21 ET
Robert L. Marchman, III (Emory)
January 10, 1925 – October 23, 2011
Past Regent and Sigma Nu Hall of Honor member Brother Robert L. Marchman, III entered the chapter eternal on October 23, 2011. Brother Marchman was initiated by the Xi Chapter at Emory University in 1943, with badge number 611. From that moment until his death, Brother Bob was a visionary leader and stalwart volunteer for The Legion of Honor and the Greek movement in North America.
While at Emory, Bob served two terms as chapter commander. After graduation he continued to serve Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Educational Foundation in many ways. Brother Bob served as Division Commander for many years. He also served as Trustee for Xi House Corporation Board. He served on the national level as a member and chairman of the jurisprudence committee; Vice Regent of the High Council (board of directors); and as Sigma Nu's 46th Regent (national president) from 1978-80. For the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, Bob served as Director, President and Chairman, a position he held for more than 20 years. Bob also served as a member of Sigma Nu's Leadership Council and, in 1976, was inducted into the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor. In 1992, Bob culminated his lengthy service to the interfraternal community as president of the National Interfraternity Conference (today the North-American Interfraternity Conference).
Brother Bob received his A.B. from Emory University and L.L.B. from Harvard Law School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II obtaining the rank LTJG USNR. He was a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, the Atlanta Estate Planning Council, and the American Arbitration Association. Brother Bob had a distinguished career practicing law primarily in the areas of corporate law, investments and taxation.
As word of Bob's passing was circulated, many of Bob's Brothers in Sigma Nu began to reflect on the legacy of Bob's service to The Legion of Honor. Bob was justly labeled as an "icon in Sigma Nu," a "giant," a "legend," and, most importantly, an "outstanding leader."
Brothers reflected on Bob's incredible contributions to Sigma Nu as well as their personal interactions with him. One brother fondly remembered nominating Bob for Regent in 1976. Another recalled an inspiring speech that Bob made on the importance of developing ethical leaders. Another admired Bob's love and appreciation for the values of Sigma Nu and his dedication to providing the very finest chapter experience.
Current Regent, Robert Durham, Mu Chapter (Georgia), recalled Bob regularly visiting the Mu Chapter when Robert was a collegiate member to encourage the officers to strive for excellence. Robert's first Grand Chapter in 1978 was the year Bob was installed as Regent. Brother Bob's last Grand Chapter was in 2010; the year that Brother Durham was installed as Regent. Bob truly loved watching his protégés go on to leadership roles in Sigma Nu.
Bob's funeral services were held in Fort Valley, GA, on Thursday, October 27, 2011. There was a strong contingent of Bob's Sigma Nu Brothers in attendance. At Bob's request, Bob's four sons, three of whom are also Sigma Nu initiates, asked the Fraternity to perform the Sigma Nu Funeral Ritual. Regent Robert Durham and Past Regent Mike Long (Drury/Missouri State) conducted the Funeral Ritual at the graveside. It was a very moving ceremony and a fitting tribute to a Brother who gave all of his adult life to Sigma Nu.
Brother Bob's service to Sigma Nu was simply enormous. As Regent Durham remarked, "Sigma Nu and the entire Greek world have lost a great leader. While we shall mourn his passing, let us be inspired by his love for our way of life, and may we strive to serve in his image."
Memorial contributions in honor of Brother Bob Marchman may be made to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
