By Brandon Martin
Del. Les Adams, R-Chatham, honored the family of the late Fred Thomas Martin, Sr., with a resolution in front of Martin Plaza in uptown Martinsville on Dec. 17.
Addressing the family and local representatives, Adams said “One of the more enjoyable things in the General Assembly is the opportunity to champion notable citizens in the district. Memorial resolutions are one of the ways that we get to do that. It’s great that we do it here. When I was first married about 20 years ago, we bought some of our furniture here. It’s a real privilege for me to be able to do this.”
Lowanda Martin, Fred Martin’s wife, expressed her gratitude to Adams.
“It’s an honor that (Adams) would even think about us and we appreciate it,” she said. “I know he (Fred Martin) would be grateful.”
According to his obituary, Martin was a successful businessman who loved the City of Martinsville. He was passionate and committed to bringing Martinsville back to life through investment in its revitalization and its future, and he was instrumental in bringing many businesses to the area.
Fred Martin was selected as Martinsville’s City Citizen of the Year in 1997. He also founded Martin Staples and was a lover of farming.
Martin was Korean War era veteran and active member of the McCabe Memorial Baptist Church.
