Lenard H. Martin

RHODHISS - Mr. Lenard Howard Martin, 65, of Dogwood Drive, Rhodhiss, peacefully left us to be with his Lord on Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. His words were to tell all my family and friends I hate to leave them, but I'll be waiting to see them again. He was born Jan. 31, 1944, in Smyth County, Va., to the late Mr. James Wilson Martin and Mrs. Inis Testment Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepgrandson, Tyler Moretz. He is survived by his wife, Linda Jean Laney Martin of the home; his daughter, Patricia Drum and husband, Terry, of Conover; his son, Howard Martin Jr. and wife, JoAnn, of Lincolnton; his five stepchildren; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral service for Mr. Martin will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at Rhodhiss United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Leo Fair officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mackie-High Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645 or Rhodhiss United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 273, Rhodhiss, N.C. 28667. Mackie-High Funeral Home is serving the family. You may view the obituary online at www.mem.com.