Indian River High School Alumni
Chesapeake, Virginia (VA)
In Memory of
Dwight Aiken Martin Jr.
1951-2025
Born Jul 29, 1951, Dwight Aiken Martin Jr. attended Indian River High School in Chesapeake, VA.
Class of 1969
Jul 29, 1951 - Feb 19, 2025
Jul 29, 1951 - Feb 19, 2025
Dwight Aiken Martin Jr. was born on July 29, 1951 at DePaul hospital in Norfolk, VA and passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family as the snow fell, on February 19, 2025. He was 73 years old, or 29 with 44 years of experience, as he would tell it. He is and will forever be remembered by his faithful walk with the Lord and steadfast love for his family.
The seventh child of Deyatt Akin Martin and Buena Ruth Benjamin, he is preceded in death by his parents, five of his siblings, his best friend Al Bryant, and many additional beloved family members and friends.
He is survived and greatly missed by his wife of twenty-four years, Kathryn Martin; kitties Julius and Cookie; children Tamra VanDorn (David) and Chad Martin (Heather); grandchildren Amanda Stipes (Marshall), Nathan VanDorn (Grace), Emma VanDorn (Jaysen), Landon Martin, Luke Martin; great-grandchildren Madison Kathryn, Bryant, Brooklyn, and Lucy; brother Floyd Martin (Ruth); sister-in-law Kay Martin, brother-in-law Robert White (Liza); and many dear nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
D.A.'s early life was spent on Truxton Street in South Norfolk. He cherished the memories he made exploring Granby Street with his siblings and friends. D.A. went on to graduate from Indian River High School and became a father to Tammy and Chad. He also served in the National Guard for six years. D.A. was a dedicated father, supporting his family as an entrepreneur and jack-of-all trades. He always found joy in the opportunity to learn something new.
In his desire to share the word of God with others, D.A. brought his children to both Waynesboro, VA, and Texas, allowing them to find friendships that would last a lifetime. While his children's school years unfolded, D.A. was a coach, friend, and encourager to both his children and their friends, leaving no small number of lives impacted by his love. His dedication continued into his children's adult years and included many enjoyable moments playing fantasy football with Chad and his friends.
A new era began as his children became parents themselves and D.A. became "Papa." His children, grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren found refuge, peace, laughter, and encouragement in his arms.
Amid the growth of his family, D.A. found the love of his life, Kathy. God's hands, hot dogs, and Coca-Cola brought them together and began a love story that changed the course of their family's legacy. Together, they enjoyed traveling and discovered a love of bourbon, bluebirds, antiquing, and Wilbur Buds.
Their love and D.A.'s skilled hands built a home and traditions that embraced their family through every season of life. Within those walls, D.A. and Kathy celebrated joys, shared laughter, and offered comfort through every tear.
A talented guitar player, singer, and songwriter, D.A. blessed the lives of his loved ones through his music. The lyrics in each line became the rhythm of his loved ones' lives. His appreciation for music often led him to lesser-known artists and tracks, as he took the time to get to know each musician he encountered. He approached his loved ones in much the same way, and is most remembered for how he saw to the heart of those he loved and walked beside them through every stage of their lives.
D.A.'s life was also impacted by many hardships including difficulties with his health. Through it all, he relied upon God's strength and faithfulness to carry him through. The selfless, steadfast love D.A. poured out upon his family is a testament to God's great love for us all.
May we all use the time God has given us to love one another well, following the example D.A. set for his family. May we use every second to love deeply, care intentionally, and feed no small number of bluebirds.
A visitation will be held at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home on Sunday, February 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at their Princess Anne location. Funeral services will take place at Charity United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach on Monday, February 24, at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor D.A.'s love and support for the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad. Donations can be made online, or via mail to P.O. Box 56454, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
The seventh child of Deyatt Akin Martin and Buena Ruth Benjamin, he is preceded in death by his parents, five of his siblings, his best friend Al Bryant, and many additional beloved family members and friends.
He is survived and greatly missed by his wife of twenty-four years, Kathryn Martin; kitties Julius and Cookie; children Tamra VanDorn (David) and Chad Martin (Heather); grandchildren Amanda Stipes (Marshall), Nathan VanDorn (Grace), Emma VanDorn (Jaysen), Landon Martin, Luke Martin; great-grandchildren Madison Kathryn, Bryant, Brooklyn, and Lucy; brother Floyd Martin (Ruth); sister-in-law Kay Martin, brother-in-law Robert White (Liza); and many dear nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
D.A.'s early life was spent on Truxton Street in South Norfolk. He cherished the memories he made exploring Granby Street with his siblings and friends. D.A. went on to graduate from Indian River High School and became a father to Tammy and Chad. He also served in the National Guard for six years. D.A. was a dedicated father, supporting his family as an entrepreneur and jack-of-all trades. He always found joy in the opportunity to learn something new.
In his desire to share the word of God with others, D.A. brought his children to both Waynesboro, VA, and Texas, allowing them to find friendships that would last a lifetime. While his children's school years unfolded, D.A. was a coach, friend, and encourager to both his children and their friends, leaving no small number of lives impacted by his love. His dedication continued into his children's adult years and included many enjoyable moments playing fantasy football with Chad and his friends.
A new era began as his children became parents themselves and D.A. became "Papa." His children, grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren found refuge, peace, laughter, and encouragement in his arms.
Amid the growth of his family, D.A. found the love of his life, Kathy. God's hands, hot dogs, and Coca-Cola brought them together and began a love story that changed the course of their family's legacy. Together, they enjoyed traveling and discovered a love of bourbon, bluebirds, antiquing, and Wilbur Buds.
Their love and D.A.'s skilled hands built a home and traditions that embraced their family through every season of life. Within those walls, D.A. and Kathy celebrated joys, shared laughter, and offered comfort through every tear.
A talented guitar player, singer, and songwriter, D.A. blessed the lives of his loved ones through his music. The lyrics in each line became the rhythm of his loved ones' lives. His appreciation for music often led him to lesser-known artists and tracks, as he took the time to get to know each musician he encountered. He approached his loved ones in much the same way, and is most remembered for how he saw to the heart of those he loved and walked beside them through every stage of their lives.
D.A.'s life was also impacted by many hardships including difficulties with his health. Through it all, he relied upon God's strength and faithfulness to carry him through. The selfless, steadfast love D.A. poured out upon his family is a testament to God's great love for us all.
May we all use the time God has given us to love one another well, following the example D.A. set for his family. May we use every second to love deeply, care intentionally, and feed no small number of bluebirds.
A visitation will be held at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home on Sunday, February 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at their Princess Anne location. Funeral services will take place at Charity United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach on Monday, February 24, at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor D.A.'s love and support for the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad. Donations can be made online, or via mail to P.O. Box 56454, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.