Ronnie Lee Martin

Ronnie Lee Martin, 56, of Rustburg, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, Friday, February 24, 2012, after a long illness. He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Cathy L. Martin.

Born in Lynchburg, he was the son of Ann Tutwiler Martin of Rustburg and the late Kenneth Earl “Pedro” Martin. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, David Fitzgerald.

Ronnie was a member of Fairview Christian Church and a graduate of Rustburg High School in 1974. He was a former employee of Lowes in Lynchburg, but, most recently, he was the doting caregiver for his grandson, Gabe, and was looking forward to doing the same for his granddaughter Ryleigh. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, history buff and music lover. He also loved his pets.

In addition to his mother and his wife, he is survived three wonderful children, April M. Tolley and her husband, David, Christopher L. Martin and Matthew A. Martin and his fiance’, Megan Syre, all of Rustburg; two very much loved grandchildren, Kenneth “Gabe” Tolley and Ryleigh Ann Tolley, both of Rustburg; a caring brother and sister, Terry Martin and his fiance’, Gina Wilder, of Greenville, S.C. and Cathy M. Fitzgerald of Concord and his mother-in-law, Joyce VanDerEyken. He will be truly missed by numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends, and a special “surrogate son”, Joey Souza.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 27, 2012 at Timberlake Baptist Church with the Reverend Richard Jett and the Reverend D. Jack Hamilton, officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and at other times at his residence.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 4723, Lynchburg, VA 24502.