Richard “Rico” Papa Marshall Obituary in Indianapolis at Payne Funeral Home

Obituary For Richard “Rico” Papa Marshall

Richard Marshall Standing on the 19TH Hole

Richard "RICO" Marshall was born on November 7, 1938, to the late Exie Hamilton Marshall and Lloyd
Marshall Sr. in Thomson, Georgia. As the eldest of his parents' three children, he embraced his role as a guiding figure for his younger brothers. From an early age, Richard developed a strong sense of faith, attending First Mount Carmel Church in Thomson, GA, with his family.
He pursued his education with dedication, graduating from Lucy C. Laney High School in Augusta, GA, on June 2, 1957. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the ARMY in 1962, where he played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. His time in service instilled in him a profound sense of patriotism and loyalty to his fellow servicemen. Beyond his service, Richard embraced fatherhood with devotion, becoming a loving and dedicated father to two wonderful children from a previous marriage.
Richard, an accomplished golfer, had the unique honor of working as a golf caddie for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a role he cherished and often reminisced about with fondness. He had the opportunity to play golf with President Eisenhower, giving this President golf tips & lessons. “RICO” caddied for numerous celebrities including Masters winner Henry Picard, "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias & 44 time PGA winner Don January. In 1995, "Rico" met & advised Earl Woods, when Tiger Woods fresh off
his 1994 U.S. Amateur Championship win, made an appearance here at Douglass Golf Course in Indianapolis. He told Earl Woods and young Tiger about the speed of the greens at Augusta National & to obtain an Augusta local caddie there. "Rico" mentioned caddie Tommy Bennett. Earl later hired Tommy to caddie Tiger's 1ST Masters!
As a young Black Golfer, Richard faced his share of racial inequities at various golf courses in the south where Black Golfers were not allowed to play. Raised in Augusta, GA, as a child who truly loved golf, he'd sneak onto THE AUGUSTA NATIONAL in late evenings & play holes #15 and #3 over and over. He knew every inch of the course! In 1964 Richard's foursome was the FIRST BLACK GOLFERS TO TEE off and play the once segregated "THE PATCH" municipal GOLF COURSE IN Augusta, Georgia! "The Patch" became the home course for Elite Black Caddies and BLACK golfers.
In 1955 Richard attended his 1ST MASTERS tournament & continued to attend the MASTERS for 60+ years! Locally he was passionate about our young golfers supporting Douglass Golf Club's Jr. Golf and First Tee Of Indiana programs.
Richard's skill as a "2" handicap Golfer commanded him the respect & recognition in the golf world,
being invited to play in Pro-Ams and winning numerous tournaments nationwide. Richard Marshall was a Golf Pro who loved to sponsor & invite fellow golfers to attend and play the best golf courses throughout the USA, including THE AUGUSTA NATIONAL. He grew up caddying and playing there for years!. It gave Richard great pleasure to take his friends, colleagues & family to THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENTS. On the amateur golf circuit, Richard was often mistaken for Pro Golfer Raymond Floyd because of his long, drive, perfect fade and slight resemblance to Floyd!
Richard's talents went beyond playing golf. From 1996 thru 1998 he was a co-producer and writer for the television series "Tales from the Links" shown on ESPN. He also starred in three episodes, portraying the character of mercurial golf hustler "Dyke" Lancaster in "No show, No Dough" and "Twin Cities." Richard's acute sense of comedic timing made the Lancaster character bigger than life. Most recently, Richard was the consultant for the show's future 2025 revival and another project, a semi-documented series, about the history of minorities in golf. He was also instrumental in developing and procuring numerous great golf stories for the 19th Hole Project and Bogey Men, LLC. Many of these tales wil make its streaming debut in 2025-2026.
Richard was a man of strength, charisma, and unwavering determination. He lived life on his own terms, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. Known for his sharp wit, confident demeanor, and generous spirit, he had a presence that commanded respect. Richard found joy in the simple pleasures-starting his mornings on the golf course, engaging in spirited conversations, and taking pride in his sharp sense of style. He valued family above all, always bringing people together with his warm heart and undeniable charm.
On March 12, 2025, Richard peacefully made his transition to the 19TH HOLE in Heaven, with his
family at his side. "RICO" was preceded in death by his brother, George Marshall. He leaves to cherish his legacy: Devoted Life Partner, Arletta "Teale" Rhodes of Indianapolis, IN; Three Children, Zanetta Faye Satterwhite (Fernando) of Decatur, GA, Richard Sterling Marshall of Fayetteville, GA, and Bonus daughter Stacey Cobb of Indianapolis, IN; One Brother, Lloyd Marshall Jr. of Augusta, GA; Four
Grandchildren: Fernando Corbin Satterwhite, Fernandez Camden Satterwhite (Brandi Jo), Richard
Cameron Marshall, and Nadia S. Arletta Kimbrough; Two Great Grandchildren: Imani Stetler and
Josiah Thomas Satterwhite; Beloved Cousin, Lucille Hamilton; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives.
Wake Visitation 9:30-11:00 Funeral Services 11:00
Universal Church of Truth Saturday March 22, 2025.
1927 East 32nd Street. Indianapolis, IN 46218.
VIEW FULL OBITUARY ONLINE AT PayneFuneralHome.ORG
Funeral Services Provided By
PAYNE FUNERAL HOME
In lieu of flowers Richard requests you to donate to & support both Douglass Golf Club's Jr. Golf youth programs 2901 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Indpls, IN 46205 and First Tee Of Indiana.