Lee Martin
Lee Battle Martin, 89, died in his home on June 27, 2015 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He was born in Chattanooga. Lee was a 1943 graduate of Chattanooga High School and a 1958 graduate of the University of Chattanooga. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Air Corp. during World War II, serving as an Aerial Gunner on a B-24 Liberator. Lee was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church since 1958, serving in many capacities, such as, Junior Warden of the Vestry, church school teacher and in 1982 established the Grace Church Food Pantry, which has served many over the years. He was much loved by all the parishioners of Grace Episcopal Church for his many creative contributions.
In 1966, he and his wife Margaret founded Lee Paint Center, Inc., the oldest independent paint dealer in the Chattanooga area. The family would like to thank all the loyal customers and friends they have served over the many years.
His hobbies included wood-working, building furniture and model airplanes, reading and he was an avid student of history. Lee enjoyed helping others and serving his community. He was a member of Chattanooga’s Half-Century Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, C.T. Martin, Jr. and Nan Battle Martin; his brother, Charles T. Martin, III; and son, Lance Barber Martin.
Lee is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Fundinger Martin; his children, Janie M. (Tony) Duke, Lee “Kit” Battle (Cathy) Martin, Jr., and Lyn Martin (David Helton); grandchildren, Lt. Col. Christopher M. (Allie) Duke USMC, LCDR Kerry L. (Katy) Duke USCG and J. Alex (Sarah) Duke; great grandchildren, MacKenna, Lance, Cade, Jack, Emily and Caroline Duke and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry of Grace Episcopal Church, 20 Belvoir Ave, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411 or Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416.
A special thank you to his caregivers, Adrian Price and Robin Pruitt.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, at grace Episcopal Church.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, at Grace Episcopal Church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road.