Ruben Hage Martin III, affectionately known as "Marty was born April 11, 1961.  He was the middle child of Rev. Ruben Hage Martin Jr. and the late Hattie Mae Noel Martin.  As he grew he exuded the dignity of the Martin name, through a quiet intellect and an innate and gently spirit.  Marty was also absolutely brilliant-National Merit Scholar Finalist, salutatorian of his '79 class at Martinsville High School, Bachelor's degree in Biology from Virginia Tech, and later earned his Masters of Arts degree  in Human Services.  In addition he also had enough sense to grab and hold onto the beautiful Catina Green as his own.  She knew he was most unique when he presented his very first gift to her, the book "Deep is The Hunger" by his favorite author Howard Thurman.  They were joined in holy matrimony on August 2, 1997.

Marty exuded what true giftedness meant when he often nonchalantly shared knowledge and understanding beyond the wisdom of the crowd.  As intelligent as was, he was also passionate, compassionate, humorous, loving, caring, and kind.  He was like no other!  He was a true gift in every sense, and he lived out his blessedness by blessing others at every turn.

Shunning loftiness, Marty was earthly, practical and deeply spiritual.  He enjoyed simple pleasures the most, including spending time with his family, delighting in his large saltwater aquarium, woodworking and relaxing to smooth jazz.  He also loved to make people laugh.  He liked what he liked and focused on those things and even collected a few of them along the way, his cars, his fish, his music, his watches and his colorful socks.  But beyond all these things he cherished and loved his wife Catina and above all he loved God.  He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior whle young and devoted his life to faithfully serving God and his people.  He served in many capacities, including the role of Pastor.  Most recently, Pastor Marty served Charity Christian Curch (DOC) as Interim Pastor and served the community through Epic Health Partners.  Through these and other local commitments including his twenty-six years at Smurfit-Stone, Marty made many friends and had ameaningful impact on the community.

Like so many, Marty's health was sometimes a challenge especially his later years.  Nonetheless, in the fullness of time, at the age of 59 Marty was declared the victor.  The heavenly envoy told him his battle was over and his fight was won.  Marty transitioned from this life into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.  

Marty is survived by his wife of 22 years, the Reverend Catina Green Martin, two sisters, Michele Spencer(Jacob) of Ridgeway, VA and Shelby Haggray (Jeffrey) of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, one brother Michael Martin (Debra) of Greensboro NC; his father and second mother, the Reverands Ruben and Ramona Martin of Martinsville; his godmother, Mary Smith, several godsons, goddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Fair Haven Memorial Park, Spencer VA .  A floating visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2020 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Wright Funeral Service Chapel according to CDC guidelines.

Wright Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net