Martin Jr., Ernest J.

Ernest J. (E. J.) Martin Jr., 78, of Christiansburg, Va., passed away on Friday, March, 20, 2009, at New River Valley Medical Center after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest J. Martin and Ezma Chafin Martin “Markie”.

He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Odegard “Bea” Martin; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda Ann Martin Fleming (Ken) and Ernestine (Tina) Marie Martin Sheppard (Link); two granddaughters, who were the love of his life, Chelsea Laine Sheppard and Alexis Paige Fleming (Lexie); one brother and sister-in-law, Charles R. “Dick” Martin (Marianne), of Titusville, Fla.; one brother-in-law, William Ted Odegard and (Emma), of Murietta, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was retired from C&P Telephone Company (Verizon). He loved everybody and never met a stranger he didn’t either wave to or say Hi to. He also served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was an avid lover of sports from teaching little league when he was younger, to traveling across the United States to participate in bowling tournaments until he could no longer bowl, then taking up shooting pool.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Dr. Conaster and Dr. Barranco as well as the nurses and staff in the Intensive Care Unit and on the Medical Care Suite at CNRVMC for all their care and support.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2009, at the Horne Funeral Home. The funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2009, in the Horne Funeral Chapel conducted by Dr. David A. Goodpasture and the Rev. Brian Siegel. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery. The family request anyone wishing to make memorial consider the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Box 176, Christiansburg, Va., 24068 or the Christiansburg Fire Department, 110 Depot Street, Christiansburg, Va., 24073. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.