John Milford Martin

Mr. John Milford Martin, 58, of Ararat, VA, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his family. Mr. Martin was born February 17, 1953, in New Milford, CT, to Mona Cooke Martin and the late James Martin. He was a carpenter, mason, singer, and guitarist. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hope Martin of the home; two daughters and a son-in-law, Sarah Martin of London, England, and Andrea and Ray Helms of Ararat, VA; a stepdaughter and her husband, Sherri and Joe Carroll of New Smyrna Beach, FL; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; his mother and stepfather, Mona and Larry Richardson of Gainesville, TN; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Carrol and Don Winters of Morris, CT, Linda and Jim Bates of Phoenix, AZ, Donna and Kevin Simmons of Tarriffville, CT, and Stacy and Kevin Fallon and Robin and Kevin Bennett, all of Torrington, Ct; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy and Linda Martin of Roxbury, CT, Dusty and Mary Martin of New Fairfield, CT, and David and Tina Martin of Cornwall, CT; and many special nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, Mr. Martin was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Martin. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 1, 2011, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Dr. Jerry Whitlow officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. "In loving memory of our Pop, our hero, the bravest man we ever knew. We will miss you."