Joseph Brown Martin, Sr. (Joe) born November 20, 1937, entered God’s heavenly kingdom on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

Joe was a devoted family man to his wife and sweetheart of 62 years, Irene Martin, and his only son, Joseph B. Martin, Jr. (Joe). Joe loved the Lord and was a man of high moral character. He accepted Christ as his savior during his time as a student at Richlands High School, and was later rededicated and baptized.

As a young man, Joe enjoyed music and played saxophone and piano. Joe was a graduate of Bluefield College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Upon graduation, Joe came to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to begin his 34-year career with RJR. During this time, he was activated as an Army reservist due to the Cuban Crisis.

Joe enjoyed nature and being outdoors. Specifically, he had a passion for golf, fishing, and working countless hours in his yard. True to his personality, when trout fishing, he sought out the most remote locations possible for quiet reflection and full appreciation of nature.

In retirement, Joe enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his four precious grandchildren. Joe held a special bond with each child that will never be broken even in death.

Joe is survived by his wife, Irene Martin; son, Joe B. Martin (and his ever-dedicated daughter-in-law, Molly); and four grandchildren, Claire, Emma, Joe, III, and Jim.

A family graveside service will be held at the family plot in Lebanon, Virginia.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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