Wallace Lee Martin. February 1, 1952-February 6, 2025. At the age of 73, Wallace “Lee” Martin left this world and all his medical complications behind. Lee was the son of the late Wallace Martin and Edith Martin and the longstanding owner of B&M Sheet Metal Shop, Inc. He was predeceased by his older sister, Jo Thompson, his younger brother, Gary Martin, and the mother of his boys, Kay Martin.

Lee is survived by his three sons Seth, Brandon, and Luke. His grandchildren Trey, Cameron, and Kristen. He is also survived by his nephew Jaye Clarke as well as his niece Jolee Preston and her family as well as another niece Ashley McDaniel and her family.

Lee was a person who beat the odds. As a young boy he was injured in a boating accident which not only required placement of a metal plate in his brain, yet forced him to have to learn to eat, talk and walk again. Lee was a graduate of Northside High School and was well known for his corvettes back in his high school years. He graduated from Roanoke College with his bachelor’s degree by taking classes at night. After the passing of his father, Wallace Martin, who was the founder of B&M Sheet Metal Shop in 1955, Lee stepped in to those enormous shoes and became so much more than a boss to all who worked there. The playful banter between he and Edith was witnessed daily. You could often hear him saying from his office, “Yes Mother,” as she gave her stern opinions on this or that. He was a devoted son to her all throughout her years. Lee was well known for wearing his jeans, white t-shirt, red suspenders, and chuck taylor’s. There was usually a card game going on if you visited B&M around 9am, 12pm, and 2pm. His customers knew Lee as a “great guy” who helped many people with their specialty sheet metal needs. As a father, Lee gave his sons all the love, flexibility, and protection he had. There was no question how deep his love was for his sons. As an Uncle he will be remembered for writing his niece, Jolee, a check for a million dollars for her birthday. She has yet been able to cash it. His nephew Jaye remembers Lee taking him to see Kiss in 1979.

Lee was well known for his “joie de vie” which included events at his cabin on Craig’s Creek where the yearly July 4th “Horney Head” fishing tournament was held. There were also yearly fishing trips to the Outer Banks. Both events hold special memories and tales which can never be repeated in many of his friends’ hearts. His closest friends include Ian Smith and his family, Chuck Supan, Raymond Hurt (deceased), Skip Supan, and Danny Abbott (deceased). The family can never express how much your friendships meant to Lee throughout his entire life. You all were his confidants and allies. To his employees, your support and love throughout the years is truly what kept him going. No matter what, he wanted to be at B&M with you all and we know your hearts are hurting deeply.

Lee was diagnosed many years ago with renal cell cancer. The malignant kidney was removed and for many years his remaining kidney was as resilient as Lee. In more recent years Lee became dialysis dependent. He would not be confined to a dialysis chair and began doing peritoneal dialysis on his own. He kept an IV pole at B&M so he could continue to work.

B&M will now become a third-generation sheet metal shop as Luke now fills these enormous shoes and carries on the business.

As per Lee’s wishes, there will be no services. Remember Lee with laughter, love, and doing something kind for others. Listen to good music, read a book, have a cocktail, refuse to get your hair cut, and tell your family and friends you love them. These are his wishes. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel. (540)366-0707.

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