Raymond Chester Martin

Raymond Chester Martin, age 86 of Mt. Airy, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Mr. Martin was born November 12, 1920 in Mt. Airy, NC. to the late Troy and Eliza Jane Money Martin. Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Edith Jones Harrell Martin; one son Larry D. Martin and wife Jane Mt. Airy; two granddaughters Melissa Huffman and husband Trent of Lawrence, GA. and Scarlett Mooney and husband Walt of Clemmons, NC., three great grandchildren Reece and Ben Huffman, and Ryan Mooney; two sisters Lucille Miller of Mt. Airy and Jean Sager of Alvarado, TX. Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his first wife Nellie Starling Martin, three brothers Marvin, Leroy and George Martin. Raymond grew up during years of the Great Depression; joining the Army in 1940 he served his country for five years. He was a veteran of World War, II, participating in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, also battles in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was a recipient of the Eamet Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars and the American Defense Services Medal. Sacrifices of these men truly earned them the distinction of being the Greatest Generation. Raymond was retired from Renfro Hosiery Corporation. He was an ordained minister and served at several local churches and was a faithful member of Shining Light Baptist Church. Graveside services will be held Saturday November 3, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at Oakdale Cemetery with services conducted by Rev. Elmo Hiatt. The family will meet at the funeral home on Saturday at 10:30 AM and will go to the cemetery in a precession. The family will receive friends Friday night 7 to 9 P.M. at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216 Glen Allen, VA. 23058, American Cancer Society 6000 Fairview Rd. Suite 200, Charlotte, NC. 28210, or to Shining Light Baptist Church, Mt. Airy, NC. 27030. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com