John Lee Martin, 79, of 2001 Melrose Drive, Shelby, N.C., husband of Virginia Ross Martin, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Wendover Hospice in Shelby.

Son of the late Edward Martin and the late Classie Lattimore Martin, he was born May 19, 1930, in Cleveland County, N.C. He was a member of Maple Springs Baptist Church of Shelby and was retired from Bud Service of Earl, N.C.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, the Rev. Filbert Martin of Montgomery, Ala., Johnny Martin of the home and Eddie Martin of Shelby; two daughters, Mary Gingles of Inman and Sherry Degree of Shelby; and a host of other relatives.

Arrangements by Foster Funeral Home.