Obituary - Roy McLain Martin Sr.

Martin, Roy M. Sr. “Big Daddy”, 93, found peace on August 22, 2023. He was born in Richmond, VA, on October 26, 1929 to Gordon Martin and Madeline Ashworth (Martin). He was the stepson of his beloved stepfather, Mike Landrum. He attended John Marshall HS (Cadet Corps Captain, Company E) and then Virginia Tech, class of 1950. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and received his wings as a naval aviator in 1952, with a specialized ability to fly blimps. He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Tinsley, in 1952, to whom he would remain married for 70 years.

On discharge in 1956, he returned to Richmond, working for Dupont and then Miller Hofft Engineers. In 1961, he began his career with Reynolds Metals. His career at Reynolds included stints as a project engineer; technology director (while living in Orlando, FL); Plant Engineer of Reynolds South Plant; and ultimately head of Foil Technology. He holds 6 patents. He finished his career as an executive in Reynolds International, and lived in Europe. Upon retirement he became a consultant to Reynolds.

Roy was a member of Welborne United Methodist Church, serving in many leadership positions over 68 years. He was a registered Professional Engineer and a member of the Engineers Club; a lifelong member and past president of the Henrico PTA; a leader in Indian Guides; a volunteer at the War Memorial and the Virginia Historical Society; and member and past president of the Richmond Council Navy League.

His passion for his family, his country and his church are widely known. Roy was generous to others beyond belief, and was always ready to lead when called upon. He could build or fix anything, and he never met a stranger. His love of the Chesapeake Bay and Bavon began in the mid-80’s and never ended. His quick wit, warmth and charm were legendary among friends and relatives, as was his energy to help others in all walks of life. With the birth of his first grandchild, he became “Big Daddy”, a moniker which lasted for the rest of his life, and was fully illustrative of his role as patriarch. Big Daddy, you will be missed by all who knew you. You truly were “the original”.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Tinsley Martin; his children Roy Martin Jr. (Joy), Catherine Carter (Curt), Suzanne Feigley (husband Mike, deceased), and Russ Martin (Sara); four grandchildren Kendall Carter (Chris, fiancé), Harrison Carter, Maddy Martin and Zoey Martin; two step-grandchildren, Erica Williams-Ecker (Jeff) and Adam Williams; nieces and nephew, Marcia Swenck (Fred), Richie Andrews (Karen), Margaret Mangas (Doug); and many grandnieces, grandnephews and their children.

Viewing and visitation will be at Woody Funeral Home-Parham Chapel on Monday, August 28, from 4 – 7pm, with the funeral at Welborne United Methodist Church on Maybeury Drive on Tuesday, August 29 at noon, followed by a reception. The burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Welborne United Methodist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Martin family.