Edward Martin

Edward Neal Martin, 89, passed away peacefully in Cary, NC, on Saturday, December 15, 2012. He was born on December 3, 1923, in Danville, Virginia to the late Arie Stanfield Martin and Edward Moir Martin. Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy Biles Martin. Neal was a graduate of George Washington High School, attended Temple University studying radio frequency electronics and continued his wartime training at Camp Murphy, Florida with the United States Army Air Force. He subsequently served in the China-Burma-India Theater during WWII with the 923rd Signal Company until after the war. Neal worked for the U.S. Postal service for 40 odd years in Danville and surrounds and upon retirement continued to work as a security supervisor at Danville Memorial Hospital. Neal and Dorothy Martin were leaders in the United Methodist Church serving as treasurer for decades, board members, Superintendent of Sunday Schools, Choir Director and faithful stewards. Neal is survived by his son David Alan Martin and wife Grace Anne and his grandson Alan Martin of Raleigh, NC; son Edward Neal Martin, Jr. of Charlottesville, Virginia and grandson Edward Andrew Martin of Greensboro, NC; grandson Kevin Neal Martin and wife Marilia, great-granddaughter Abigail, great-grandson Alex of Raleigh, NC; and granddaughter Kristen Dawn Martin of Arlington, Virginia. Neal Martin also has Horner family cousins in Person County NC; and Martins in Patrick and Henry Counties, VA. Attending guests who are lifelong and recent loving friends of Neal include: former daughter-in-law and friend Dawn Bridgen Martin of Durham, NC; brother-in-law David Alger Biles, of Danville; Brenda D. Carsley of Charlottesville VA.; Verna "Polly" Adkins and son Ray Edward Adkins of Danville; Lila and daughter Donna Sayda of Durham NC; Beverly Bridgen Stowe of Greensboro NC; and Della Anderson, Richmond, VA. A memorial service for Neal Martin will be held at the Townes Memorial Chapel, 215 West Main Street, Danville, VA at 2 PM Friday, December 21 2012. Burial and graveside services with military honors will follow at Highland Burial Park. In Memoria honoring Neal are requested for the Youth Programs of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3090 N Main Street, Danville VA. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street, is serving the Martin family.