Michael Lee Martin

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Lee Martin, age 73, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and lifelong farmer, who left this world in his work boots on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Born on October 8, 1952, he was a son of the late Estil Lee and Verdie Coleman Martin. A lifelong resident of the Buchanan and Russell County areas, he was a 1970 graduate of Council High School and a member of Wilson's Chapel Church. Mike grew up knowing the value of hard work, integrity, and the quiet strength of the land. He spent his life tending fields, raising livestock, and working from sunup to sundown – always with a humble spirit and steady hands. Farming wasn't just his occupation; it was his calling, his legacy, and the way he cared for the people he loved.

A proud father, Mike poured his heart in to raising his family, teaching them patience, resilience, and kindness by example. As a grandfather, his joy was unmistakable – whether he was sharing stories from the farm, offering gentle wisdom, or simply watching the little ones play. His family was the center of his life, and his presence will be deeply missed in every shared meal, every holiday, and every moment of quiet togetherness.

Mike will be remembered for his generosity, his calm steadiness, his sense of humor, and his unwavering love. His hands shaped the land, but his heart shaped the people fortunate enough to know him. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of love, hard work, and family endures, rooted deeply, like the fields he tended so faithfully.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Sharon Perkins and three brothers-in-law, Jorold Perkins, Bob Martin, and Douglas Jackson.

Survivors include his wife of thirty-five years, Alice Jean Martin; one son, Allen Lee Martin and wife, Shanna; two loved grandchildren, Colton Lee Martin and Jacob Wayne Martin; one sister, Patsy Martin; and several nieces and nephews, who will continue to honor his memory by carrying forward the value he lived by.

A Celebration of Mike's life will be conducted at 7:00 PM Tuesday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, Virginia with Rev. Jeff Ball officiating. Friends and loved ones are invited to attend and share memories of a life well lived. Graveside services will be private at the Martin Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Ratliff, Timothy Hess, Daniel Perkins, Samuel Helbert, Aaron Perkins, Shawn Martin and Derek Ray.

Honorary pallbearers will be Timothy "Pudge" Stiltner, Johnny Brown, Terry Hill, Lonnie Ball, Douglas Ratliff, Dennis Lankford and the men from Wilson's Chapel Church.

The family will receive friends after 6:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.