He was mayor until 1982 and sat on the council until 1991, when he was elected to the Senate.

In the legislature, Marsh served as chairman of the Courts of Justice Committee. He pushed for stronger curbs on firearms and opposed charter schools, considering them an encroachment on other public schools. He also fought what he saw as incursions on voting rights, such as stronger ID requirements.

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, chairman of the state Democratic Party, said in a statement that Marsh “has a beautiful and rich history with the city of Richmond. As a civil rights lawyer, he has always worked and fought for the people. As a politician, he has paved the way for so many of us to follow.

“As I reflect on his retirement announcement, his legacy is simply extraordinary. He has been a devoted and generous leader, a pioneer with a natural desire to work to unite people,” Jones said.

Sen. Mamie E. Locke, D-Hampton, said Marsh has spent a lifetime in public service.

He “is also a genuine civil rights hero, having fought for equal justice for all Virginians before the law in dozens of court cases,” she said. “His many sacrifices and accomplishments cleared a path for all those who followed in his footsteps, and for the many more who will follow in the future.”