Obituaries

Harold Greene Martin, 87, died peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2019, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 23, 1931, in Franklin County to Claude W. Martin and Evelyn S. Martin, both of whom are deceased.

A devout Christian, he was a charter member, deacon, and treasurer at Villa Heights Baptist Church in Martinsville. He was most recently a member of Fort Trial Baptist Church in Stanleytown.

He was a graduate of Fieldale High School and was also a graduate of Perry Business School in Martinsville.

He was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. While in the Air Force, he attended school at Pennsylvania State University. He received an honorable discharge in 1958.

Following his service, he began his career in the insurance industry. In 1959, he joined W.T. Turner, Inc. He attended the Tenth School for Mutual Insurance Agents at Oberlin College in 1966, and graduated third in his class. In the early 1970s, he joined Ford Insurance Agency where he served as President until the mid-1990s, and continued as a consultant until 2004 when he retired.

Active in community and civic organizations, he was a past member of the Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and Stanleytown Ruritan Club. He was an active member of the Martinsville Service Corp of Retired Executives ("SCORE") Chapter from 2007 to 2018, where he provided advice to business owners and entrepreneurs regarding risk management. In March 2019, he was named a Mentor Emeritus, national recognition for making a significant impact in his community.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was married to Betty Carol Stone Martin for 52 years, who is deceased. Surviving are two sons, Harold G. Martin, Jr. (Lela E. Martin) of Midlothian, VA, and Randolph ("Randy") L. Martin (Barbara L. Kirkwood-Taylor) of Fredericksburg, VA, one daughter, Sandra M. Greeson (Timothy L. Greeson) of Eden, NC; five grandchildren, Christopher E. Martin of Richmond, VA, Meredith G. Boyte (Brently D. Boyte) of High Point, NC, Benjamin B. Martin (Meghan E. Martin) of Woodbridge, VA, Katherine L. Martin (fiancé Trevor J. Gould) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Stephen L. Greeson (Maggy L. Greeson) of Eden, NC; one great-grandchild, Jack Gregory Martin of Woodbridge, VA; and one sister, Blanche M. Barrow of Collinsville, VA.

His hobbies included attending ACC basketball games with his close friends, growing gladiolas which he enjoyed giving to family members, friends, church members, and residents at nursing homes, and listening to gospel music.

The funeral in celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Norris Funeral Services Chapel in Martinsville. Dr. Joey McNeil, pastor of Fort Trial Baptist Church, Reverend Bonnylee Witt, chaplain of SOVAH, and Reverend Paul Johnson, chaplain of King's Grant, will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Norris Funeral Services.

Memorials may be made to Fort Trial Baptist Church, 170 Oak Level Rd., Stanleytown, VA 24168; King's Grant, 350 King's Way Road, Martinsville, VA 24112; or Mountain Valley Hospice, 730 East Church Street, Suite 13, Martinsville, VA 24112.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory of Martinsville, VA is serving the Martin family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com

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