Dale Martin Obituary

Dale Martin

Dale E. Martin rejoiced in his heavenly Savior's arms Wednesday, October 8, 2025. He was born in Richmond, Va. on July 5, 1951 to Herman Hughs and Rosa Amerette Rodgers Martin. He was a man of deep integrity, strong work ethic, rock-solid faith and was an extremely devoted family man. Dale was a graduate of Manchester High School and went to work for Vepco enrolling in their Mechanics Apprenticeship Program. He enjoyed a 38-year career with Dominion Energy at Dutch Gap. During his time at Dominion, Dale was a loyal member, Co-Delegate and Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1064, part of System Council U-1. Later he became a Business Representative for IBEW Local 50, representing the members and employees of the union. He proudly and faithfully served as Union Representative for almost 30 years. In 1977 Dale built his forever home in Powhatan, Va. In 1978 he married his bride, Susan Gail Berger Martin, and moved her and her young daughter Wendy to Powhatan, where they started their family and added their son Justin. Their family matured and the words "step" and "half" lost all meaning. They were happily married for 47 years. He was a Nascar fanatic, loved sports, westerns, his menagerie of pets and serving Graceland Baptist Church. He also enjoyed yard work and cutting grass, and Dale proudly maintained the cemetery at Graceland for many years. You would often find him riding the lawnmower, in his Virginia Tech baseball cap, wearing headphones listening to Nascar or Outlaw Country. Dale combined his love for his children and grandchildren, with his high standard work ethic by encouraging them to work at a young age. His wisdom and this philosophy has served them all well all their lives.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents. He is survived by his wife, Susan, who was the love of his life; daughter, Wendy McClellan; son, Justin Martin; grandson, Layne Puryear; granddaughters, Emily Ruckart, Rachel McClellan and Ava Martin; and his brother, Roger Martin.

Please join our family in celebrating Dale, Dad, Papa with visitation Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Bennett & Barden Funeral Home in Powhatan from 2 to 5 p.m. The celebration of his life service will take place at Graceland Baptist Church in Powhatan, Va. at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025. A time for fellowship with a meal will follow immediately. After which, the family and friends will continue on to Grove Cemetery in Sunnyside, Cumberland, Va. for our final farewell.