Remembering Marshall Rauch
Few people in state history have touched as many lives as Marshall Arthur Rauch before his death this week at 102.
A native of Manhattan, N.Y., he moved to North Carolina in 1940 to play basketball at Duke University, where he met his wife when they were both 17 years old. He became a popular politician, philanthropist, community leader, and local sports fan.
In 1996, he also gave Gaston College its most significant private donation up to that time for the school’s Rauch Science and Fine Arts Building, named in his honor, which opened in 2000.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sen. Rauch and are grateful for the lasting impact and legacy he left at Gaston College and within our community,” said Luke Upchurch, Executive Director of the Gaston College Foundation.”
Rauch’s college career was interrupted in 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in France, Germany, and Austria. After earning two bronze stars, he returned to Duke, completed his degree, married Jeanne Girard of Bessemer City, and settled in Gaston County.
Rauch and his wife raised five children in Gaston County and founded Rauch Industries in 1952, which became the country’s largest Christmas ornament manufacturer.
Rauch served on the Gastonia City Council from 1952-1954 and 1961-1965. He co-chaired the 1964 Gastonia Human Relations Committee, which facilitated the integration of Gaston County Schools, local restaurants, swimming pools, and public buildings.
In 1967, Rauch was elected to the North Carolina Senate’s 25th District. During his 24-year tenure, he focused on racial harmony, education, and the economy, serving as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for a decade.
Rauch also held positions on various local and state boards, including Chair of the Gaston Community Foundation, Director of the Gaston Boys Club, and Chair of the Finance Committee for the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.
His work earned him numerous accolades, including the Alan H. Sims Award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the Wisdom of Solomon Award, the Legacy of Love Award, and the inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Award in 2004.
Rauch visited Gaston College and participated in many events over the years. His most recent visit was in 2022 as a guest on Gaston College radio station WSGE’s Sports Review show, where he spoke about his support of the College and the education that students could get here. Listen to WSGE interview clip.
February 2, 1923-March 18, 2025