William Horace Martin
William “Horace” Martin, Sr., 89, of Martinsville, Va. passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Bedford County, Va. on May 26, 1937, to Tom Martin and Ruth Geraldine McLain Martin.
In addition to his parents, Horace was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Annie Lee Ridinger Martin, grandson, Joseph Martin Turner, brothers, Houston Milton Martin, James Rowland “J. R.” Martin, Leonard Gray Martin, Henry Clay Martin and Fred Thomas Martin, Sr., nephew Fred Thomas Martin, Jr., niece, Theresa Cheryl Wright and sister, Dorothy Stephens Coleman.
Horace is survived by his daughters Pam Brinegar (Steve), Jan Turner (Tony); sons Willie Martin (Mitzi), Tommy Martin (Paulette) and Eric Martin (Wendy); 11 grandchildren Brian (Stephanie) Brinegar, Stephanie (Jason)Vipperman, Susanne (Joe) Washburn, Tyler (Leslie) Martin; Trevor (Karli) Martin, Madison (Lucas) Arthur; Carrie (Martin) Kaltwang, Lance (Micaela) Martin; Mitchell (Morgan) Martin and Brey and Seth Martin and 18 great-grandchildren, Bristol Brinegar, Zariah Scales, Kendra and Kipton Vipperman, Bryant and Brinden Washburn, Camden and Collins Martin, Max and Emerson Lucas, Chris, Emma, Cole and Marlee Kaltwang, Thomas and Tobias Martin, Will and Cooper Turner. Mr. Martin is also survived by his sisters, Yvonne Mae Turner and Rebecca Ann (Dewey) Brown and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
During his life, Horace was a full-time farmer and truck driver, working with Martin Stables until his death and was a truck driver, driving for companies, Warren Trucking, Hennis and Spector, Roadway and was terminal supervisor for Westover Cartage Trucking until his retirement in 1996 at which time he continued farming and was a cattle dealer for the remainder of his lifetime, and until four days before he passed, he was buying and selling cattle. He worked in the hayfields up until this past fall and could be seen driving his red pick-ups throughout his lifetime.
Papa Horace enjoyed his western shows and movies, with his main characters being John Wayne and Roy Rogers. His favorite music was by the singer, George Jones. He could be seen sitting in his recliner at Martin Stables daily after eating breakfast and at the barn until after the horses and cattle were fed in later afternoons and might slip in a little nap while watching some of his favorite shows. Back-in-the-day, Horace enjoyed showing his horses in the Western division at Horse Shows and won numerous trophies, ribbons, and cash. He also enjoyed riding pleasure horses, and his favorite horse was “Ponda Jet.”
Horace enjoyed eating out especially for breakfast with his sons and friends and enjoyed his tasty lunches with friends, daughters and grandchildren. Some of his favorite restaurants were D and A Café, Hardees, where Chasity knew what he wanted as he walked in, Roberts Bestway, Rangely’s 102 and back -in- the day he loved his Rumley’s and Dixie Pig.
He shared his earnings throughout the years with family and friends. He and his wife Annie helped with the lives of over 60 foster children throughout their lives together.
Horace was baptized at McCabe Baptist Church and was a member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church. Papa enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a friend to many as friends, Randy Gregory, Mike Rogers, Tim Robertson, Tommy Carter, Wayne Dove, Noel Reid, Mike Mason and so, so many more could tell you.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, June 6, 2026, at McKee Stone Funeral Home and at the home at 254 Mountain Mist Drive in Martinsville, VA. The funeral service will be 1:00 pm on Monday, June 7, 2026, at McKee Stone Funeral Home and will be officiated by Preacher Curt Ashley and Dr. Michael Hatfield with music provided by Jessica Riggs and Charity Hunt. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park with music by the Donovant sisters.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to any charity of one’s choice.
The family wishes to express appreciation to the caregivers, to Mountain Valley Hospice and to family and friends who shared their lover, food, cards, visits, concerns, prayers for Horace.
McKee Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.
