Martin, Donald Lee
Dr. Donald Lee Martin of Pulaski joined his Lord on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at the age of 58. He passed peacefully at home in the loving care of his immediate family.
Dr. Martin practiced dentistry for 33 years after graduating as valedictorian of his 1973 Medical College of Virginia class. He performed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1969.
After dental school, he served as a Colonel in the United States Air Force, returning to Virginia to open his Pulaski practice in 1975. He was a member of the Virginia Dental Association and the American Dental Association, and was past President of the Southwest Virginia Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. He was inducted into the College of International Dentists in 2001.
He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, serving on the administrative board and as a member of the United Methodist Men. As an avid golfer, he was a longtime member and past president of the Thorn Spring Country Club. He had enjoyed many wonderful golf outings and had recently returned from a trip to Scotland and Ireland with dear friends.
His greatest joy came from the company of his family, and had spent many wonderful vacations in the company of his parents, wife, brothers, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda; his parents, Odell and Phyllis Martin of Pearisburg; Brenda’s parents, Tommy and Clarice Atkins of Pembroke; his three daughters and their husbands, Drs. Pamela and David Phillips of Warrenton, Dr. Cynthia and Don Southern of Pulaski, and Heather and Burlie Locklear of Raeford, N.C.; the seven grandchildren, Matthew and Lauren Phillips, Mark, Emily and Paul Southern, Kierra Martin and B. Dawson Locklear III. His surviving brothers are Steve Martin and his wife Rebecca of Raleigh, N.C. and Tim Martin of Houston, Texas. His two brothers-in-law are Ronnie Atkins and his wife Rose of Richmond, and Gene Atkins of Annapolis, Md. and his nieces and nephews are Brian, Emma and Ben Martin, and Katie and Andy Atkins.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. from the First United Methodist Church, Pulaski with the Rev. Hugh Kilgore officiating. Burial will follow in the Birchlawn Burial Park, Pearisburg (there will be military graveside rites).
Visiting will be Friday evening from the church where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.