Mr. Ray Burwell Martin age 83 of Oakland Road went to be with his Lord on Sunday April 4th, 2010 at Hospice House of Forest City, NC. Born in Rutherford County, Ray worked at the Spindale Movie Theatre in his youth and graduated from R.S. Central High School in 1943. During World War Two he entered the Navy at age seventeen and served on the USS Monitor in the Pacific Theatre. Following his military service his work history includes time spent at Spindale Mills as a shipping clerk, agent for MetLife Ins. Co., construction work with Seals Inc. constructing the runways at Atlanta International Airport, bridges and highways leading to Florida Keys and numerous turnpikes along the entire East Coast. In addition to these careers he purchased and ran the old ESSO station in Spindale for many years and then opened Ray’s Battery & Tire along with a Farm Bureau agency in the Oakland community and Forest City. Upon retirement he and his wife purchased the old Oakland Elementary School and opened Ray’s Small Mall. He was also involved in a number of area organizations such as the Jaycee’s, Masonic Lodge and Boy Scouts of America having been the first Eagle Scout in Spindale. Left to cherish his memory here on earth are his wife Evelyn Beddingfield Martin of the home, one daughter – Pattie Martin Lynn and husband Sam of Florida, daughter in law – Linda Martin, grandchildren – Darla King and husband James, Charles Ray Martin, Arthur “J.J.” Lynn and Geoffrey Lynn, two great grandchildren – Emma and Noah King as well as a number of nieces, nephews and friends. His family in Heaven includes his parents Grady Mills Martin and Ollie Beatrice Allen Martin, one son Darryl Ray Martin and one brother the Rev. Billy “Moon” Martin. A celebration of life will be held 2 PM Wednesday April 7, 2010 at Adaville Baptist Church with Dr. Charles Cobb, Dr. Steve Martin and Mr. Ed Alexander officiating. Concluding services with military honors provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard will follow in the Spindale City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 PM at Adaville Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County POB 336 Forest City, NC 28043.