Obituary - Richard DeWayne Martin

Richard DeWayne Martin was welcomed into heaven by Jesus, his parents Roy and Veronica Martin of Roanoke, VA, and his grandparents, Albert and Annie Martin and Eva Smith Lacy.

Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Winifred (Winkie) Martin; three children, Melissa Vath (Marc), Hunter Martin (Allyson), and Blake Martin; six grandchildren who knew him as Boppy, Ann-Katherine Vath Perdue (Taylor), Mallory Martin Crain (Taylor), Courtland Martin Thomas (Travis), Andy Vath, Alex Vath, and Palmer Martin (Maddie); and eight great-grandchildren.

Born on Sept. 10, 1942, in Roanoke County, VA, Richard attended Jefferson High School and Roanoke College. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia's School of Pharmacy in 1967. He began his pharmacy career with Standard Drug and later worked for CVS, retiring from long-term healthcare in 2008 but continuing part-time work. He received the AH Robins "Bowl of Hygeia" Award and Standard Drug Employee of the Year Award in 1991.

Richard spent much of his free time working in the PTA, serving as president of several PTAs, at the state level as President of the Virginia PTA, and on the National PTA Board. He was active in local and state advisory councils and served on the Henrico County Planning Commission and the Henrico Schools Health Advisory Council.

A devoted member of Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church for 43 years, Richard served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Training Director. At Gayton Baptist, he continued his ministry work and participated in mission trips.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gayton Baptist Care Ministry or St. Jude's Hospital. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, July 9, 5-7pm at Gayton Church, 13501 N Gayton Road. The family is being served by the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home.