The Reverend Larry Martin age 70, of Welch, WV, who departed this life on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Bland Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Bastian, VA, following a long illness. He was born in Bluefield, WV on June 1, 1951 into the parentage of Auce and Juanita "Dusty" (Smith) Martin. After completing his education, he was employed as an ambulance driver for Jan-Care Ambulance Service in Welch. He had served as interim Pastor at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Kimball, WV, where he was a member for more than 20 years. Reverend Martin was known throughout the area as the "singing, piano playing Preacher," as he generously used his talents whenever he was called upon. In earlier years, he had served as the Pastor of Tabernacle United Holy Church in Keystone, WV, Lily of the Valley Baptist in Iaeger, WV, Mt. Grove Baptist in Hemphill, WV, Winkfield Baptist in Landgraff, WV and Morning Star Baptist in Jenkinjones, WV. He was a former member and served as pianist at Uprising Chapel United Holy Church in Rolfe, WV. Before becoming ill, he was a longtime resident at Elkhorn Towers in Welch and had lived in Eckman, WV and later in Keystone. He was a quiet man who chose his friends wisely. Reverend Martin was preceded in death by his father, Auce Martin and mother, Juanita Martin Dorsett; several of his siblings: Paul "Sonny" Anderson, James "Zeke" Martin, Dennis "Poden" Martin, John "Coon" Martin, Theadore "Teddy" Martin, Audrey Morris and Doris Martin-Moore. Early on Friday, June 18, 2021, he was called from labor to his reward at the Bland County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Bastian, VA, follow a long illness. Those left to remember him are his daughter, Misty Dotson; one step-daughter he helped raise, Shirlee Hairston-Brogdon; seven additional step-children: Paul Hairston, Vivian Hairston, Lillie James, Sharon Hairston, Morgan (Sherri) Hairston, Lee Hairston and Jewel Hairston; two brothers, Marshall "Flugi" Martin and James "Huck" Martin both of Charleston, WV; one sister, Deborah Martin of Morristown, TN; step-sister, Betty Austin of Hemphill, WV; a host of grand&great-grandchildren; four generations of nephews and nieces; many cousins, his Church family and friends. The Homegoing Service for Reverend Martin will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Kimball with the Reverend George Masterson officiating. Pallbearers and flower bearers will be his family and friends. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., until the Service hour. Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, (to leave online condolences: gregory-pagefh.com.) Please follow COVID protocol, is advised.
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