In Loving Memory of Jonathan Lee Martin, Sneads Ferry, NC

On Friday, May 15, 2026, Jonathan Lee Martin, age 66, received his heavenly wings and entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There, he was joyfully reunited with his father, mother, and all three of his brothers. After years apart, they are finally together again in paradise.

Jon passed away unexpectedly at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, Florida, due to complications related to chronic atrial fibrillation.

Jonathan was born on August 31, 1959, in Reidsville, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Alton Winfred Martin and Mary Ellen Martin, and his brothers, Alton Winfred Martin Jr.(Cheryle), David Leon Martin (Dabney), and Mark Vincent Martin (Lynn).

He leaves behind the love of his life and devoted wife of 33 years, Kristin Burke Martin; his children, Tyler Nicolas Martin (Maria), Alexander Grant Martin, Michael Jason Martin (Suzie), and James Brandon Martin (Brandi); along with cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

Jon was a man who never met a stranger. He loved spending time with family, sharing stories, lending a helping hand, and making others feel welcome. His gift for conversation and genuine interest in people was something he inherited from his father, Papa. Whether he was fishing, metal detecting, working on a project, or simply enjoying time with those he loved, Jon found joy in life's simple moments and in creating memories with family and friends. To know Jon was to love him. His strength, kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family will remain with us forever.

In recent months, Jon had begun learning the art of beekeeping, hoping to carry on the tradition of his brother, Mark. Although he was not given the opportunity to fully realize that dream, we promise to continue that tradition in his honor, keeping both his and Mark's memories alive.

Jon, words cannot express how deeply you are missed. To Kristin, he was her best friend, protector, safe place, and the love of my life. There were still so many places to go, so many memories left to make, and so many plans they wanted to share.  For over 40 years, they built a life together filled with love, laughter, adventures, and dreams for the future. There were still so many places to go, so many memories left to make, and so many plans we wanted to share. The emptiness left by your absence is beyond measure.

Please know that you will forever hold a place in our hearts that no one else can ever fill. We will carry your love with us every day and honor your memory in all that we do. Until the day we are reunited, we will miss you every moment of every day and cherish the blessing of having loved you so deeply.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that this is not goodbye. It is simply "until we meet again.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST at:

West End Baptist Church

6506 Boydton Plank Road

North Dinwiddie, VA 23803

Phone Number: (804) 733-9331

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following foundations in memory of Jonathan Lee Martin:

Susan Perkins Fund—OurLegacy’s organ and tissue donation

OurLegacy.org

Phone: 407-303-2784

Email: FoundationInfo@AdventHealth.com

North Carolina State Beekeepers Association

NCSBA endowment – Hampstead Beekeepers Association

NC Beekeepers Association