Alton Leroy Martin, Jr. Obituary (1950

Alton Leroy "Lee" Martin Obituary Alton Leroy "Lee" Martin, 72, passed away after a prolonged illness on July 7, 2022 at his home in Seabrook, South Carolina. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia on January 7, 1950. Lee was the son of Alton Leroy Martin, Senior and Mary Elizabeth Shelton Martin. He had one sister, Judith L. Martin and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister. Lee worked as an electrician for the Norfolk and Western Railway before starting his career as a contract aerospace engineer for numerous organizations including Grumman Aircraft, NASA, Westinghouse, McDonald Douglas, and Gulfstream Aerospace. Lee retired in 1996 for a few years and then retired again from Gulfstream Aerospace in 2013. Lee was an Eagle Scout and had a great interest in environmental conservation and animal protection. He loved sailing, the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Bulldogs, and his dog Max. Lee married the love of his life Melissa "Missy" Chastain on July 19, 1992. They enjoyed 29 years of marriage. During his time as a contract engineer, Lee lived on his twin masted yacht the "Wanderer," eventually joined by Missy before they moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Lee and Missy lived for many years in Seabrook, South Carolina on the Whale Branch River at Paige Point Bluff. Lee always considered this home with Missy his "spot of paradise." They also enjoyed time together at their home on Exuma in the Bahamas. Lee enjoyed traveling far and wide with Missy but his primary joy was his life with his daughters, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. In addition to his love of family, Lee made many friends throughout his life who will miss him dearly. Lee embodied the adage: "A friend in need is a friend indeed" by his willingness to help others. Lee was a special father figure to Angela Riley. Lee is survived by his wife Missy, daughters Melissa Nelson (Matt), Cassandra Bradley (Dave), and Virginia Astfalk (Eddy); grandchildren Chandler Nelson (Mattelyn Faith), John Robert Nelson, Alexander Nelson, Evelyn Bradley, Henry Bradley, Adrien Astfalk, Eddy Lee Astfak; and great grandchildren Aspen Sage Nelson and Serenity Haze Sewell. The family is comforted in knowing that death is not the end for those who believe. Lee knew Jesus and is in paradise with Him. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." Luke 23:43 "And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." There will be a celebration of Lee's life on Saturday, July 30th at the family home from 2:00-4:00 PM. "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial contributions may be made to: American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 1-800-342-2383