Wesley Martin Jones, 79, passed away Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016 with has family by his side.  Born in LaCrosse, Martin was the son of the late Ruth Martin and George Wesley Jones.  He graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1954, graduated from Ferrum Junior College with an associate’s degree in 1956, and graduated from Randolph Macon College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In his early years after college, Martin taught Spanish at Smithfield High School, worked in the purchasing department at Smithfield Foods, and then served two years in Germany with the U.S. Army.  After his military tour, Martin worked in the purchasing department at Newport News Shipbuilding for 32 years until his retirement in 1996.  He was an active member of Benn’s United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school for 30 years, played piano during services, and served on many church committees.

Martin enjoyed retirement more than anyone and lived life to the fullest.  He was passionate about history, genealogy and traveling.  He traveled extensively through Europe, South America, and his beloved Africa. Martin particularly loved his home at Peahill Farm, where he was an avid gardener, bird watcher, voracious reader and “magnificent” painter.  He had an ebullient personality and was loved and respected by all who knew him. 

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Martin leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 50 years, Hunter Holloway Jones; four daughters, Katherine J. Williams, Ruth J. Cetola and her husband, Jeff, Susan J. Buccellato and her husband, Lenny, and Frances J. Manuel; nine grandchildren, Holly, Caroline, Grant, Ashley, Makayla, Olivia, Katie, Drew and Colin; two brothers, John Randolph “Randy” Jones and Gerald Wayne Jones; a sister, Joyce Guyer; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

A service celebrating Martin’s life will be held Friday, August 19, 2 p.m., at Benn’s United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ed Garrett, the Rev. O.H. Burton, and the Rev. Tommy Reynolds officiating.  A private committal service will follow at St. Luke’s Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends at the home following the service at 4 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Martin’s memory can be made to Benn’s United Methodist Church, 14571 Benn’s Church Blvd., Smithfield, VA 23430.

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Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, VA.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at   www.colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.