Haran Rufus Martin, Sr.

Mr. Haran Rufus Martin, Sr., a kind generous and loving husband, father, great grandfather, and a World War II Veteran, passed away Friday, February 25, 2011, at the Oaks at Forsyth, where he spent his final three days. Mr. Martin was born April 18, 1919 in Mayodan, NC to Henry Rufus and Roberta Della Martin. He spent his early years in Mayodan, NC, moving with his wife Dorothy to Winston-Salem in 1941. Mr. Martin served his country in World War II from 1944 to 1946. He was decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, European Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, three Battle Stars and Combat Infantry Badge. After the war, he leased and drove trucks for Roadway Express and Hennis Freight Lines. Later, he opened Tire Stores for Hennis. He was General Manager of Piedmont Fleet Tire. He started Honda of Winston-Salem in 1963 and was known as ""Mr. Tire"" and ""Mr. Honda"". He opened and operated United Motorcycle Sales in Clemmons, NC from 1975 - 1980 when he retired. Mr. Martin was a life member of VFW Post 9010 in Clemmons and DAV Chapter 9 in Winston-Salem. He was also a member of the 83rd Infantry Association, the Dixie Chapter of the 83rd Division, and former Commander of the Honor Guard. He will be remembered by many for the beautiful poems he wrote and recited and for his humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, James, Paul and Butler Martin; three sisters, Ruth Martin, Edith Rhodes and Mae Fulcher. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Dorothy Cook Martin, two sons, Bucky Martin, and Dennis Martin and wife Barbara; and a daughter, Wanda Martin. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Terrie, Richard, and Kenneth Gilley and wife Kelly, Jason, Tyler, and Marty Martin and Kimberly Slate and husband Marty; six great-grandchildren, Erica Staley, Dakota Ball, Haran, Dottie and Robbie Gilley and Lyla Martin; two great-great grandchildren, Kinzie and Chloe Staley; many nieces and nephews; and friends who loved him. A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 pm Monday, February 28, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Entombment will follow at Westlawn Gardens of Memory with Military Honors provided by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Sunday at the funeral home. The Martin family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Mallard Ridge Assisted Living in Clemmons, NC, where he resided for the past 1 ½ years, as well as the staff of Hospice for their loving care the past few days. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Cemetery:
Westlawn Gardens of Memory

Visitation:
06:00pm - 08:00pm on February 27, 2011 at Silas Creek Chapel

Service:
Service at 02:00pm on February 28, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel