Martin, Charles R. (Dick)

Charles R. (Dick) Martin, age 84, of Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Christiansburg, Va. and Springfield, Va., passed away on August 29, 2013 at the Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring in Jacksonville. Born on February 21, 1929, he was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest J. Martin and Ezma Chafin Martin “Markie”; his first wife, Mildred Westall Martin “Millie”; and his brother, Ernest J. Martin “EJ”.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne Stephens Martin and her two children, Claudia K. Stephens and Mark L. Stephens. He is also survived by his two sons, Charles R. Martin Jr. (Kendra), and David R. Martin (Ann B. Reed). Dick was the proud grandfather to Richard L. Martin (Cheryl) and their three children, Nathan, Lucy, Andrew, Christina E. Martin Horning (Kenny), Matthew R. Martin, Eileen P. Feder (David) and their two children, Tommy, Maggie. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Bea Martin and Joyce Westall.

Born in a small town in rural Virginia, Dick was full of adventure and curiosity. Upon graduation from Emory & Henry College he joined the United States Marine Corp (Oorah) serving primarily in the Mediterranean. Shortly thereafter, he joined Naval Intelligence and moved the family to Japan. Upon returning to the United States and settling in Springfield, Va., Dick enjoyed a long career in numerous federal government departments including the Federal Energy Office, the Department of Customs and the Agency for International Development. Dick’s duties led him to travel extensively in Africa and Latin America. After retiring from the government he was hired by Harris Corp., in Melbourne, Fla. which led him to the sunshine state.

Dick loved to travel and meet new people. After retiring from Harris Corp., he, Marianne and their beloved girls (puppies) Kiki and Ling Ling spent lots of time travelling the country in their RV, meeting all kinds of new people and seeing many parts of our great country.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the nurses and staff of the Hadlow Center for their compassionate care and loving support in Dick’s last days.

The viewing will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at the Horne Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, with interment following in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg. T

he family requests that in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make memorial make a donation in his honor to either: Community Hospice Foundation 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, Florida 32257 or Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Note both charities have memorial donation available on their respective web sites.

Online condolences may be left by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.