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Arvel Richard "Clum" Martin Sr.
1945 - 2025
BORN
1945
DIED
2025
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Arvel Martin Obituary
October 7, 1945 - December 3, 2025
Arvel Richard "Clum" Martin, Sr., 80, of Wytheville, Va., passed away on December 3, 2025.
Born in Winston-Salem and raised in Wytheville, Richard was the youngest of four children of his family, preceded in death by his sisters, Gayle Ann Martin Hampton, Carene Elaine Martin Wilson, Barbara Jean Martin LaGarde. Richard was the son of Arvel Herman Martin and Ida Carene Wilson Martin Whisnant. He was a graduate of George Wythe High School and spent the majority of his life in the community he loved.
Richard was the father of three children, two of whom, David Allen Martin and Arvel Richard "Rick" Martin, Jr., passed away at a young age. He is survived by his daughter, Stacy and her husband, James Orefice; nieces and nephews, Robyn Roberts, Lisa Pfefferkorn, Chris Woodward, Garrett Williams, David LaGarde, and other extended family. Richard was formerly married to his high school sweetheart, Peggy Sutphin.
Known affectionately by many friends as "Clum," Richard spent his younger years at Elk Creek Dragway with friends and family and working on cars with good friends. He also enjoyed machine shop and working with his hands.
An animal lover at heart, Richard never turned away a creature in need, whether dogs, cats, birds, squirrels, or chipmunks. He cherished his pets, especially his beloved dogs, and worked tirelessly to improve conditions at the local animal shelter. He was as smart as a whip and a whiz with electronics and computers, even once fixing a Teddy Ruxpin.
Richard will be deeply missed by his surviving family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Best Friends Animal Society, continuing his legacy of kindness to animals.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow in the West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1 p.m. until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com.
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Grubb Funeral Home
215 S. 6th St. Wytheville, VA 24382
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