Benny Nathaniel Martin

Mr. Benny Nathaniel Martin, 81, of 172 Javan Lane, Mount Airy, passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 10, 2011, at his home. Mr. Martin was born May 15, 1929, in Yadkin County, son of the late Arthur and Myrtle Underwood Martin. Benny entered the United States Army after graduating from Jonesville High School. He later used the G.I. Bill to further his education at Appalachian State University, where he received his B.S. and master's degrees in education. He was a member of the tennis team at Appalachian and was president of the athletic club (A.Club). He became a golf pro at Cedarbrook Country Club and White Pines Country Club, but later found his calling as a teacher and principal at Beulah Elementary School. Benny truly loved his students and their families. With his love of people and life, Benny's life will live on through the friends and family who surrounded him with love and fond memories. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gaye Fonda Jackson Martin of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mitch and Sheri Martin and Kirk and Lisa Martin, all of Mount Airy; a granddaughter, Kari Martin of Mount Airy; a grandson, Taylor Jackson "T.J." Martin of Mount Airy; a sister, Rosena Martin Webster of Jonesville; a brother and three sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Colleen Martin of Sanford, Don Martin of Elkin, and Daphnia Martin of Jonesville; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Martin was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers-in-law, Carol and Frank Tulbert, Magalene and Jimmy Smith, Thomasene and John Eskridge, and Dick Webster; and three brothers and a sister-in-law, Leon and Emma Martin, Thad Martin, and Dett Martin. Mr. Martin requested his body to be donated to science at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for use in education and scientific studies. A service to celebrate the life of Benny will be held Friday, May 13, 2011, at 1:00 PM at Antioch Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dale Wallace and the Rev. Robert McCrary officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Martin home, 172 Javan Lane, Mount Airy. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the loving caregivers of the ICU staff at Northern Hospital of Surry County, the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, and Dr. Jan Kriska. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Antioch Baptist Church, 137 Antioch Avenue, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Haymore Memorial Baptist Church, P.O. Box 27, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Mount Airy Friends Church, 109 West Wilson Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or The Mary Moser Children's Fund, c/o Antioch Baptist Church, 137 Antioch Avenue, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.