Martin, William Earnest (Corky)

William Earnest (Corky) Martin, 84 of Narrows went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 19th, 2014 at Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Pearisburg following a long a courageous battle with myelodysplasia. He was born in Narrows on December 3nd, 1929 and was the son of the late Dewey William and Annie Brookman Martin.

A lifelong member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Narrows, he served as former deacon and chairman of the board, and was serving as an elder at the time of his death. He was also a member of Intermont Lodge #269 A.F.& A.M., a member of the former Lakeland Chapter #74 of the Order of the Eastern Star, current Vice-Chairman of the Narrows Planning Commission, member of VFW Post #6000, American Legion Post #68, and a founding member of the Narrows Business and Professional Association. A 1948 graduate of Narrows High School, he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, and was a 1957 graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He was a former employee of Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows and Lotz Funeral Home in Roanoke, and retired from Radford Army Ammunition Plant with 30 years of service. He and his family owned Narrows Flower and Gift Shop since 1971, and maintained his funeral service license.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Leona S. Brookman Martin; a daughter, Cynthia Ann Martin Light and husband Leon of Narrows; a grandson, Jonathan Martin Light; two brothers-in-law, Don Brookman and wife Pat, and Cedric Frazier, all of Pearisburg; several nephews, nieces, cousins, and many special friends, including his caregivers, Drs. Paul and Pam Olson, and the staff of Carilion Giles Community Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 at 2 PM at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Narrows with Rev. Jim McDaniel and Rev. Dennis Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at First Christian Church Friday from 6 to 9 PM, with a Masonic service to be held at 8 PM.

The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.

“Make yourself a good day. God gives it to you, and it’s what you make of it.”