Ernest Smiley Martin

Born in Amherst County, March 24, 1924, he was the son of the late Earnest Martin and Nancy Staton Martin. Mr. Martin proudly served his country in the US Army and was a veteran of WWII. He was a longtime cattle and tobacco farmer in Amherst County and was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon. Among the things he enjoyed most was gardening at home but he was most proud of his grandchildren who were the joy of his heart.

He is survived by one daughter, Mable M. Stevens of Lynchburg; four sons, Burton M. Martin and wife June, Arnold Martin, Allen Martin and wife Gail and Harvey Martin and wife Ursula all of Amherst; one sister, Ruby Staton and husband Lannie of Buena Vista; nine grandchildren, Dr. Marguerite Beth Graham, Lewis Stevens, Burton Martin, Jr., Jennifer Martin, Raymond Allen Martin, Jr., Crystal Lynn Martin, Christopher Martin, Belinda M. Tomlin and Thomas Hartless; 11 great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews including William H. Mays who he was very close to and his special friends, Janice and Lee Wright.

A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Stan Ogden and the Rev. John Ragland officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post 16.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 205 Sandidges Rd, Amherst, VA 24521 or the Pedlar Rescue Squad 4893 Lexington Tpke, Amherst, VA 24521.