Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Alvin Martin Obituary
Al had retired from Roanoke City Communications 911 Center as Supervisor for 30+ years after beginning as a police officer. He served his country in the United States Air Force. Al was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Fran Martin; and his two daughters and sons-in-law, Aldene M. Dyer and Scott C. Dyer, and Anette M. Lloyd and Mark A. Lloyd. He also leaves behind his granddaughter, Iris A. Dyer, whom he loved and adored; his grandson to be; and his loving dog, Alex. Al also leaves behind his mom, Reba McCraw; brothers, Kenneth McCraw Jr. and Michael McCraw; sister, Debbie Avis; his sister, Patsy Grey; his brother, Clarence Martin; along with many other dear family and friends. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2008, at Valley View Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Arthur Good officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's North Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valley View Wesleyan Music Ministry, 2302 Oakland Blvd., N.W., Roanoke, Va. 24012, will be greatly appreciated in memory of Alvin Martin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Martin
Tina (Reavis) Davis
December 16, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. My memories go way back to 5th grade and I still hold those memories dear to my heart. Mr. Martin was a wonderful person. Please remember all of the memories and special times to help you through this time.
We've been in Ohio for six years this month and still trying to get use to the snow. Bill and I have twin girls, in 4th grade, and turning 10 in January. We got a late start. They are always asking me to name all of my teachers. They're just like me, they love school and cry if they're sick and can't go. I think special teachers make us feel that way and I thank you for it all these years later. You're a special lady! It's funny, I'm doing a long term sub job in the 5th grade, as a Health Instructional Assistant, and I love the kiddos.
Bill, Tina, April, and Anna Davis
Dan Smith
December 14, 2008
Fran, Al was my Supervisor for many years. I also considered him my friend. He worked so very hard in life, and I truly believe God needed Alvin and called him home. Peace to your family and gain strength in Gods love.
Turpin Family
December 13, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
The Wrights & The Stumps
December 11, 2008
Thinking of you at this difficult time. And though that doesn't change anything, perhaps it helps to know, your pain is shared by many who understand what a very sad loss this is for all of you. May friends be your comfort, and time your healer. With thoughts and prayers.
Brenda, Herman, & Fredy Wright
Beverly & Kayla Stump
Mandy and Eddie Hopkins
December 11, 2008
Fran, Aldene, and Annette,
You have been in our family's thoughts and prayers the past few days and will continue to be. We've talked about memories of how you have touched our lives over the years. With Annete being my sister's best friend since they were so little, and Fran playing piano at our wedding and also being such a presence still today at our children's school. You are such good people. We never got to know Al, but I wish we had. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort your tears.
Shirley (Chapman) Sprouse
December 11, 2008
Fran and family, I know Als' passing has left a large hole in your hearts. I know that the strength you have in the Lord will carry you through the days ahead. Al was a loyal christian and he loved his family and his church family. God Bless and my prayers are with you.
Kay Janney
December 11, 2008
Dear Fran and girls,
Sadly I have been remiss in reading the obituaries the past couple of days so was unaware of your sudden loss of loving husband and best friend, devoted father and beloved grandfather. What wonderful memories you have on which to reflect. Knowing that your steadfast faith is sustaining you, the only solace I can offer is the assurance that you know Al is in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Sincerely,
Kay and Hugh Janney
Megan J. Lynn
Amanda J. Trent
Pat Thomas
December 11, 2008
Fran and Family: We are deeply saddened to learn of Al's sudden death. It is so difficult to lose loved ones during the holidays. We pray that God will comfort you and put his loving arms around you. We always enjoyed visiting Valley View knowing we would see Al's smiling face. He will be missed.
Amanda Miller
December 10, 2008
Mrs. Martin, Aldene, and Annette: I was saddened to hear about your loss. Aldene was in most of my classes from kindergarden through Breckinridge, Mr. Martin was often at our school; with PTA meetings, fund raisers and our Christmas concerts. He was always so gracious. May God bless you all!
Patrick Kennerly
December 10, 2008
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Anette, and with your mom and family. May Christ's love surround you with comfort, healing and peace.
Crystal Spradlin
December 10, 2008
Fran,Annette,& Aldene
I am so sorry for your loss; You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers . I will do what I can to help Fran .
Alvin Martin was a wonderful person to know ; and a great Christian that took his time to make a brighter tomorrow for all that knew him . Al was the happiest grandfather any one could have ever seen when he had Iris in his arms .We all will miss him .
Hillary (Hartman) Myers
December 10, 2008
Mrs. Martin (Fran), I am so sorry to hear of this loss and I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family at this time. I know how much you loved Mr. Martin (Al) and he loved you. So much so, that this is one of the things that I always remember as a 5th grader at Preston Park Elementary. Both of you will always be so very special to me. May God bring you peace.
Eddie and Becky Johnson
December 9, 2008
We were so shocked and saddened to read about Al in today's paper. Our prayers go out to your family. He will always have a very special place in our hearts for all the wonderful things he and you did for the Fleming High family. We will miss him greatly!
Dale Crisp
December 9, 2008
Fran,
May God give you His special grace during this most special time of year as you minister in your gifts. Mom always loved what the music ministry presented. And she loved Al and spoke of your family, treasuring the pictures each Christmas, especially in the nursing home. I got to know Al as your husband through the church ministry and never connected him to the Alvin Martin of my high school class. Now it seems I'm missing him doubly. You, the girls and the extended family are all in my prayers.
Dale Showalter Crisp '65
John Scyphers
December 9, 2008
I regret that I have seen Al only a few times since our 1965 graduation from WFHS. My school-day memories of Al are most pleasant, including many instances of pick-up basketball games after school. I was so pleased to learn that he knew Christ as Savior and that he served the Lord so faithfully in the local church. I consider my life the better for having known such a fine man! My condolences to every family member at this difficult time.
Wynona French
December 9, 2008
Fran, Aldene, and Annette
Even tho I do not know "the girls" I know they must be wonderful knowing that their parents were Fran and Al. My mom has kept me up to date on both of you with pictures and stories. I know this is such a huge blow to all of you but remember that your Dad was a very loved and special person. I know Fran, you and Al, both touched my mom's life. I just wanted you to know there are alot of prayers out there for your whole family.
Thanking of you with love,
Wynona French
Peggy Long
December 9, 2008
Fran, Aldeane and Annette -
The sudden loss of Al must be one of the hardest things you will encounter. Al and Fran have always held a special place in my heart as they have a spirit of love, kindness and unselfish giving to all who come in contact with them. I pray that God will bring you peace with the knowledge that Al is in His Kingdom and surrounded by God's undying love and grace. You will remain in my prayers as you mourn your loss. Love to you all.
Rebecca and Emily Farmer
December 9, 2008
Fran,
For the last two years it has been our blessing to work with Al on the Colonel's Theatre Board. His humor, compassion, good nature and commitment to the theatre will be greatly missed. He leaves an empty chair that can never be filled. We will miss him dearly.
Sheina Webb
December 9, 2008
Fran, Anette and Aldene,
Your pain is mine.We have all shared so much and you have all been such an impact in my life.I am blessed to know all of you and it was a priveledge to be so close to Al and you all.I love you all so much as you were my own family and there is nothing I won't do for any one of you.I know that nothing anyone can say could possibly ease your pain but take comfort in your faith.God has big plans for your wonderful husband and father in Heaven.Praying for you all and in constant thought of you.
Susanne Webb
December 9, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Al's passing..he was always so kind to me. He is one of the angels God placed here to be in our hearts for ever. God bless you all.
JEANETTE LAW
December 9, 2008
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. The love of family and friends will encourage you in the days and months to come. May this scripture give you hope and strength. Psalm 34:18 - "God is near to those that are broken-hearted; and to those that are crushed in spirit he saves. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
You are in my prayers.
Keith and Peggy Owens
December 9, 2008
Fran, Aldene, and Anette,
Words cannot express how much Al will be missed. Those of us who knew him will all be better for having known him. He touched many lives and may you all take comfort in knowing what a wonderful person he truly was. His memory will live on in the many things he did and how he treated everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ginny Moser
December 8, 2008
Fran, Aldene & Anette,
We were very shocked to hear of Al's passing. I will miss that little kiss on the cheek and the loving hug. He was a true lover of people, he truly showed the love of Christ in everything he did. He will be greatly missed by many people. I am sure the best gift that Al would want us to give for Christmas is telling others about God's love of Jesus Christ. Heaven is blessed to have him home with the father. I know you all will miss him dearly. Please call us if you need anything.
Love, Ginny (for all the Moser's)
vickie and Dan LYNCH
December 8, 2008
TO ALVIN'S FAMILY, I AM VERY SADDENED BY THE HUMAN LOSS OF ALVIN. I WORKED WITH HIM 20YRS AT ROANOKE CITY. HE WAS A KIND HEARTED AND A GOOD PERSON. I KNOW HIS FAMILY WAS HIS PRIDE AND JOY. HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED. IN DEATH THERE IS LIFE IN CHRIST.
Rudy & Louise Padgett
December 8, 2008
Fran, Aldene, Annette-We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Al was and is a special person, and will always be remembered for his goodness and the wonderful man he was. God bless and comfort you. We love you.
LISA MILLIRON
December 8, 2008
FRAN,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT AL HE WAS A GREAT FATHER AND GODFATHER TO GINGER EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE LOST TOUCH OVER THE YEARS I HOLD YOU BOTH DEEP IN MY HEART AND WANT TO THANK YOU BOTH FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME AND GINGER OVER THE YEARS HE WILL BE MISSED DEEPLY.
LISA AND GINGER AND ROY
Doris Powers
December 8, 2008
What a shock! Al was such a dear friend and so wonderful to Ray and I when we were pastors at Valley View. I know he will be extremely missed. Fran, please know that I now know how it feel to lose your dearest love on earth. My prayers are with you.
Ian and Monica (Cowden) Brown
December 8, 2008
Fran, Aldene, and Annette,
We are so sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful man whose kindness touched many people throughout his life. He will be remembered. God bless and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
LISA MILLIRON
December 8, 2008
FRAN,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT AL HE WAS SO SPECIAL TO EVERYONE AND A WONDERFUL FATHER AND GODFATHER TO GINGER EVEN THOUGH WE LOST TOUCH I HOLD A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART FOR YOU AND AL FOR ALL YOU BOTH HAVE DONE FOR ME AND GINGER. HE WILL BE MISSED TERRIBLY.
Shirley Wilkinson
December 8, 2008
Fran, Aldene, and Annette
We are extremely saddened by Al's passing. He was the most dedicated worker, the most caring and sincere Christian man we have encountered. Anytime anyone needed help he was always there to lend a hand. May God give all of you the peace that only he can provide.
Love Bobbie Johnston, Shirey and Brownie Wilkinson
CHRIS CRAFT
December 8, 2008
WHAT CAN I SAY FRAN AND AL ARE ANGELS AL WILL BE MISSED BUT RIGHT NOW HE IS IN HEAVEN SINGING WITH THE ANGELS I WILL MISS HIM HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND WE STILL HAVE ONE GREAT ANGEL IN FRAN .
Renee & Meagan Meador
December 8, 2008
Fran,
Please accept our deepest and sincerest sympathies for the huge loss to you, your family, the Church family, and certainly the community. We all know that Alvin will always be with us watching and nurturing, as always.
Barbara Hendrick
December 8, 2008
Fran, Aldene & Annette,
I was shocked to hear about AL. I can't express how sorry I was to hear about his passing. He was such a wonderful caring Christian man & I know he will be missed by all that knew him. I know from my own expierence that this will be very hard for you all & I will keep you in my prayers. That is what has helped me the most. One of my fondest memories is him working in Bible School & also leading the singing in church where he would put up fingers to represent the verse everyone was to be singing. He always greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. He certainly has run the good race & gained the finish line in heaven. May God be with all of you at this time & know that I care.
Cory & Bill Walter
December 8, 2008
Our hearts are so very saddened at the passing of our dear friend. We will be remembering his family and friends in our prayers. I first met Al in elementary school and we have always been good friends. He played such an important part of our lives, he will be so missed and always loved.
Chirpy and Debbie Fitzwater
December 8, 2008
Fran, we are deeply saddened by your loss. Al has been a good friend in Christ for many years. He will be greatly missed. May God provide comfort to you and your family during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Alvin Martin's name
Memorial Events
for Alvin Martin
How to support Alvin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alvin Martin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
