Obituaries

Jimmy “Ray” Martin, born January 11th, 1936, in Patrick County, Virginia, left this world on November 5, 2025. Preceded in death by his older son, James Wade Martin and his parents, Edgar James Martin and Della Martin. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Hazel Sehen Martin of almost 66 years of marriage, also of the home. His younger son, Steven Ray Martin (Diana) of Bassett, granddaughter, Jordan Carlisle (Josh) of Roanoke, VA, and grandson Patrick Martin (Chelsea) of Stokesdale, NC.

He was a faithful member of Blackberry Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member and on various committees. He was also active in his community through the Sanville Ruritan Club for several years. He retired from Bassett Superior Lines and then spent the next several years working for his son’s business, Steve Martin’s Trenching, Inc.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but especially gardening in his later years. He also enjoyed his family, spending many weekends in Meadows of Dan with his in-laws. He loved telling stories of his childhood on Lover’s Leap and making moonshine with his father.

The funeral for Mr. Martin will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 12:00 at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor Chad Janey officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Knowles Eden Cemetery in Meadows of Dan. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services on Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Ben Lewis, SOVAH Hospital, and the entire staff at Mulberry Creek Rehab, Dr. John Velyvis, Dr. Scott O’Nea,l and Mountain Valley Hospice during his final months.

Also, a very special thank you to the caregivers at their home – Ebony, Chelsea, Beulah, Dianne, and Nicole.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ray’s memory to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017 or Blackberry Baptist Church, 3241 Stones Dairy Road, Bassett, VA 24055.