Wallace “Wally” Reid Martin, Jr., 69, of Circleville was welcomed into heaven on February 10, 2012. He was born March 25, 1942 in Franklin County, the son of the late Wallace R. and Elizabeth (Smith) Martin, Sr. He graduated from Groveport Madison High School in 1959. After working at Owens-Illinois (OI) in Columbus, OH, he then enlisted as a medic in the U.S. Army, stationed in Georgia, and after his services returned in the early 70s to OI until he took a position at the newly opened RCA plant in Circleville. For nearly a decade, Wally served as a foreman in manufacturing, maintenance, and finally mix-and-melt. It was at RCA that he met his wife of 36 years, Shirley. After nearly a decade, he left RCA to pursue a career as a self-employed carpenter. Over the next 25 years, W.R. Martin Builders, Inc. custom-built homes and remodels earned him an honorable reputation in the community as a well-respected master finish carpenter. His strong work ethic and dedication to his clients often took precedence over eating and sleeping.
A word that describes Wally’s life is ”HEART.” He had the courage to follow his heart and dreams; he lived a very full life. He was blessed with the insight to see the needs of others and reach out in compassion – always ready to pitch in, take on community projects, and offer himself to anyone in need. In 1998, he received an Award of Merit from the Logan Elm Athletic Department for his contributions to fund-raising for the track, which included years of calling Bingo and lead work in the development of the memorial wall entrance to LE’s track.
Wally enjoyed annual family vacations to Myrtle Beach, and favorite hobbies included deer hunting and time spent at the cabin, bowling, NASCAR, and all types of sports. Wally had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and became skillful at anything he attempted. At the age of 59, he achieved his lifelong pursuit in obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University.
Nothing was more important to Wally than family and friends, and he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren more with each passing day. In the last few years, one of his greatest joys was fulfilling his role as Ava’s papaw; many will fondly remember Wally strolling Ava around town, always finishing at Lindsey’s Bakery for a cookie.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Robinson) Martin; children, Christopher (Kaliyah) Martin, Richard (Oana) Martin, Courtney (Ryan) VanArsdalen, Kimberly Mutters, and Brian (Sharon) Berkey; grandchildren, Ashton and Joshua Martin, Sophia Martin, George Reid Martin, Tahni Coker-Shaheen, Elisha (Ben) Hawes, Andrea and Zack Berkey, Ava VanArsdalen; siblings, Raymond (Marlene) Martin, Samuel (Theresa) Martin, Thomas (Cheryl) Martin, Lynne Martin, Carol (Mark Triplett) Love, and Darlene (Richard) Brinson, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday February 16, 2012 at Wellman Funeral Home with Chaplain Jim Ferrell officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Wellman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Berger Hospice 1170 N. Court St. Suite B, Circleville, or New Life Assemblies of God Church 7766 Stoutsville Pike, Circleville, OH 43113. In an attempt to remember Wally’s legacy of work, the family requests information of homes or remodeling projects that he had completed over the years. Online condolences may be offered on wellmanfuneralhomes.com
Remembered in life and love, we encourage you to follow Wally’s example in life: do something nice for somebody, and never stop “paying it forward.”
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wallace Martin, Jr, please visit our flower store.
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