Fred Thomas Martin Jr., better known as Freddie, died unexpectedly on December 30, 2020 at the age of 66. He was a lifelong resident of Martinsville, Virginia.
Freddie is survived by his mother; Lawanda McGuire Martin; his children, Fred Thomas Martin III (Katherine) and Tanya Michelle Martin; his sister, Theresa Martin Wright (Kent); brother, Timothy Dean Martin and Jeffrey Porter; his uncle Horace Martin; and his beloved dog, Lil’ Bit. He was predeceased by his father, Fred Thomas Martin Sr.
Freddie was born in Martinsville, Virginia on August 24, 1954 to Fred and Lawanda Martin. He was a graduate of Laurel Park High School and received his associate’s degree from Patrick Henry Community College. He dedicated his life to the family business of Fred Martin Associates. Freddie was a deeply spiritual man and lifelong member of McCabe Memorial Baptist Church.
Freddie was a true cowboy at heart. A man of unquestioned loyalty and a consummate gentleman to everyone he met. A tremendous father that embodied pure selfless love for his children and family.
Born a natural horseman, Freddie’s first steps were climbing onto the back of a horse. By his father’s side he took to riding and training horses and helped the family grow Martin Stables. Through the 1960’s into the 1970’s he learned farming and equine skills from his father Fred Sr., which were passed down to him through his father and Freddie’s beloved grandfather, Tom Martin. He competed in several equine events both nationally and locally, where he was Virginia’s 4-H Western Pleasure Horse Champion in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1974. He was a proud lifetime member of American Quarter Horse Association and National Cutting Horse Association.
Freddie would continue to accomplish equine success throughout his life. His children naturally shared his love of horses. He did everything within his power to ensure a distinctively wonderful childhood. He enjoyed nothing more than traveling across the county with his children and their horses to compete at the national level.
He was right by his father’s side when the family business expanded into furniture manufacturing and sales. Freddie was a gifted welder and was instrumental to the furniture industry. From designing and welding furniture to inventing paint finishes adopted by national companies, his talent and creativity was truly unique. Through the success of the family business he focused his efforts on the continued growth, and later revitalization of Martinsville.
Freddie was a wonderful son, brother, friend and extraordinary father. Freddie truly aspired to make everyone around him happy. He was selfless in every since of the word. Always there to lend a hand. He loved bringing people together and making them laugh. His smile was infectious. His friends, family, and all who knew him will deeply miss him.
A private funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on January 6 at the Roselawn Cemetery in Martinsville. Reverend Lewis Harris will officiate. Donations may be offered to McCabe Memorial Baptist Church at 107 Clearview Dr. Martinsville, VA 24112. A celebration of Freddie’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home-Martinsville, VA
To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
