Charles Martin

Charles R. Martin NORFOLK - Charles R. Martin, 81, of King George, also known as "Chief Martin," entered into rest Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010 in Norfolk, where he had been cared for after suffering a fall three and a half years ago. He was born Jan. 12, 1929 in Blairstown, N.J., to the late Bradley and Hazel (Simmons) Martin. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Carolyn Drake and his younger brother, Jerry Martin. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59 years, Marilyn J. (Clark) Martin; four daughters, Rebecca McDougal of Pine Bluff, Ark., Victoria Wissing of Hutchinson, Kan., Dawn Ryan of Norfolk and Pamela Garlitz of Willow Street, Pa.; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and his older sister, Jean Hannah of Newton, N.J. Serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy which included two wartime deployments to Vietnam, he rose to the rank of master chief mess specialist. Among his many awards and decorations include four Edward Francis Ney Memorial Awards for the Best Shore Enlisted Dining Facility Naval District Washington, D.C., in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1978 which he earned while stationed at Dahlgren; a Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Stars; the Navy Unit Commendation Medal for Expert Rifleman and 12 Letters of Commendation and Appreciation. Following his Navy career, he worked as a civil service employee at the Dahlgren Commissary for a number of years. He also enjoyed singing in the choir as a faithful member of the Dahlgren Chapel. His life will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 27, at noon in the Naval Support Activity Dahlgren Chapel, 17261 Jones Road, Dahlgren, VA 22448 with a service officiated by Lt. Richard Malmstrom, U.S. Navy chaplain. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until service time. Interment will be held Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505 at 11 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nash & Slaw Funeral Home, King George, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charlie's memory to the American Heart Association. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Karen Lewis Duncan and Darlene Knight of Angel Care Private Duty Nursing Service for the loving care they have provided. They were truly "Charlie's Angels." Online guestbook may be signed NashandSlawFH.com.