Martin Sr., Lee E.

Lee E. Martin, Sr. of Newport, Va., passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Born on February 6, 1922, he was the son of the late Thomas W. and Lillian Davis Martin.

He was a World War II veteran having honorably served in the United States Army from 1939 to 1945. Upon his return from the war he began his career with VPI & SU at the Monogram Cleaners on the Virginia Tech campus. After several years of service at Monogram Cleaners he succeeded his father, Tom, as the manager of the Virginia Tech Laundry.

Known for his hard work and dedication, he served as night manager at Radford Brother’s Grocery from early 1950’s to the late 1960’s along with full-time employment on campus. After his retirement, he was a loyal part-time employee of Cook’s Clean Center until his failing health forced him to retire in 2005.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Lucy Kessinger Martin; two sons and their wives, Lee and Anni and Danny and Linda, brothers and wives, Lewis and Reva and John and Rhonda; stepmother, Ruth; stepsister, Beverly; stepchildren, Clay Rice and Wanda Brickey; grandchildren, Jason, Todd and Chad Martin, Teri Bradley, and Lorie Rice; five great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and friends; and very special friends, Bill and Elaine Dobyns. He is predeceased by his parents Thomas W. and Lillian Davis Martin; his brothers, Thomas, Melvin and Arnold; and sisters, Juanita Jennelle and Eunice Tegg.

The family would like to thank Dr. Harry McCoy and his staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Center and Carilion Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Carilion Hospice Services or your favorite charity.

Lee requested no visitation, but a memorial service will be held at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive S.W., Blacksburg, Va. on Monday, November 5, 2007 at 3 p.m. with Mr. Bobby E. Fuller officiating.