Bobby Lee Martin, 80, of 935 Caldwell Street, Statesville, formerly of Roaring River, NC, died Monday, September 1, 2014, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. He was born in Wilkes County on January 29, 1934, and was the son of the late Thomas Adams and Queen Esther Martin. He was united in marriage to Vera Hunt Martin, who survives. He was preceded in death by a brother, Allen Martin, a sister, Edith Royster and a granddaughter, Paris Grimes.
He was a graduate of Lincoln Heights High School, Wilkesboro, N.C. and was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Roaring River, NC. He later went to serve his country in the United States Army, and often spoke of the many experiences he encountered while in service for his country. He liked farming, at an early age, worked for his father-in-law on the farm. After being discharged from the army he worked at Chatbam Manufacturing Company, Elkin, and Adams Dry Cleaners. Bobby later moved to Statesville where he was an Insurance Agent for North Carolina Mutual. In his early years he was good at bowling. Bobby loved the Lord and truly loved his wife, Vera, who was always there for him during his many years of illness. He joined Poplar Springs Baptist Church at an early age, where he was a member of the Senior Choir.
He leaves to cherish the memory of her life, in addition to his wife, Vera Hunt Martin of the home; three daughters, Barbara Martin and Paula (Shannron) Mathis, both of Statesville, and Tonya Martin of Elkin; two step-daughters, Maureen (Rick) Thomas of Winston-Salem and Marva Grimes of North Wiilkesboro; a step-son, Jeffrey Grimes of North Wilkesboro; two sisters, Patricia McClelland of Roaring River and Eloise Richmond of California; one grandson, Preston Martin; one granddaughter, Erica Martin; two sisters-in-law, Portia Hunt of Roaring River, and Mildred Martin of Monroe; Five step-grandchildren Camron Grimes, Brady (LaShaunda) Ferguson, Brian Cochran, Damon (Nicole) Wade and Juwan Thomas a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2014, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Roaring River, Reverend Roy Brown, Eulogist. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Members of the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church, but will assemble at the residence at all other times.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Martin at www.rutledgeandbigham.com