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, 953 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby.

Son of the late Edward Martin Sr. and the late Classie Lattimore Martin, he was born May 19, 1930, in Cleveland County, N.C. He was united in holy matrimony to the former Virginia Ross. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Junior “Jack” Martin; an uncle, the Rev. Walter Lattimore; a granddaughter, JaQuitha Eskridge; and a daughterin law, Joyce Martin.

At an early age, he was converted, accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and joined Maple Springs Baptist Church. He was a retired employee of Bud Service of Earl, N.C.

In addition to his wife, Virginia Ross Martin, of the home, surviving are three sons, the Rev. Filbert Martin (Felicia) of Montgomery, Ala., Johnny Martin of the home and Eddie Martin (Bonnie) of Shelby; two daughters, Mary Gingles (Greg) of Inman and Sherry Degree (Steven) of Shelby; three sisters, Leila Dearing of Lanham, Md., Ruth Barron and Joan Martin Bowden, both of Bladensburg, Md.; three brothers, Herman Martin (Lillian) of Shelby, Therman Martin (Alice), James Martin and Mallory Martin, all of Charlotte; 15 grandchildren, two of them, Lionel Surratt and Terrence Norris, were reared in the home; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two aunts, Elaine Hunt (Clifford) of Shelby and Evelyn King of Washington, D.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Services will be held Monday, March 15, at 2 p.m. at Maple Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Dover, Pastor Filbert Martin, the Rev. Keith Parks and Pastor Robert Coleman officiating. Body will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. and the family will receive friends at 1:30 p.m. at the church.

Arrangements by Foster Funeral Home, Gaffney.