Obituary of Raymond Martin

Raymond Minnix Martin, 87, of Roanoke, peacefully went to be with the Lord with his family by his side on Monday, February 6, 2012. Ray was born on January 16, 1925, in Botetourt County. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfonsa and Minnie Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Curtis, Eugene Jimmy, and Avil "Bill" Minnix and his twin brother, Ralph Minnix Martin; and sisters, Margaret Gillespie, Sylvia Dickerson and Isabelle Riley. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy. He retired after 36 years of service with Valleydale Packers. Mr. Martin was raised in Heron Baptist Church and at the time of his death was a member of Peters Creek Church of the Brethren. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 64 years, Melba Wertz Martin; devoted daughters and sons- in-law, Robin and Ronnie Louthen and Teresa and Bruce Stritesky; and four grandchildren, Benjamin and Garrett Louthen, and Sawyer and Jacob Stritesky, who loved their Paw Paw very much. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Marie Wertz and June Martin; and a number of nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Dr. Vashist Nobbee, Dr. Nelson Greene, Dr. Vandana Carrie and the nursing staff at Lewis Gale Medical Center. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Peters Creek Church of the Brethren. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by Dr. Jack Lowe and the Rev. Paris Bain. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at Simpson Funeral Home. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 540-366-0707.