LOVINGSTON, Virginia — Born on Feb. 14, 1946, James Lawrence “Larry” Martin, 72, passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by the family who loved him dearly.
Larry was preceded in death by the “love of his life and sweetheart,” Shirley Ihlefield Martin; parents, Mamie and James “Jimbo” Martin; brother-in-law, John Nielsen; and children, Deborah Ihlefield Banks and Mike Ihlefield.
He is survived by his sisters, Betsy Nielsen and Toni Martin (Tommy); nieces, Leah Nielsen (Tim Krosch) and Diane (Paul) Wright; and great-nephews, John and Donald Gibboney. Larry also leaves behind his stepchildren, Cindy (Steve) Martin, Glenn Bayley, Richard, Melissa and Tracy Ihlefield. Affectionately known as “Pappaw,” Larry took great joy in his grandchildren, Tony (Annette), Audrey (John), Ami, Kerri, Rebecca, Sarah, Wes (Savannah), Emily, Caitlyn and Carson; great-grandchildren, Desiree’, Dillon, Kayla, Shelby, Megan, Luke, Cole, Maddy, Aidan, Jackson, Parker, Alliyah, Colton, Logan and Ray. Pappaw was easily entertained by their individual personalities, antics and talents…but whining, squabbling or crying? Not so much!
While a student at Magruder Elementary, Larry earned the nickname “Cabbagehead.” And that name stuck with him forever…wherever he went! A 1965 graduate of York High School, he was an all-star on their football team and a beloved classmate. By now his nickname had been shorted to “Cabbage,” and like most YHS Falcons, loved his school and his classmates fiercely. At some point he lost his class ring and mentioned that disappointment often. Just a few years before his 40th high school reunion, his children and grandchildren surprised him for Father’s Day with a new ring, identical to the original. Pappaw was thrilled to receive it and proudly wore it to several class reunions afterwards. Rekindling those friendships meant so much to him.
A pipefitter by trade, Cabbage, traveled extensively working long hours in miserable (hot!) conditions at nuclear plants around the country. An avid fisherman, he had many epic tales to tell and lots of fish to cook. He was also a volunteer firefighter while living in York County. As a resident of Oak Island, he became a member of the Oak Island Masonic Lodge, No. 758 in 2008, was Mason of the Year in 2012, and Worshipful Master for two years in 2014 and 2015.
A friend to all who knew him, Cabbage, was known for his quick wit and humor, his love of cooking (especially smoking pork butts and frying up any kind of seafood!), his helpfulness to friends and family, love of nature (especially his furry family members), traveling and sharing regional foods from one region to another.
You could be assured that if you lived in the mountains, you would be gifted with seafood…and if you lived at the beach, you were sure to receive venison, fresh apples or peaches from the mountains or sausage from his favorite stopping place, Smith’s Grocery in North Carolina. Cabbage also had a very strong work ethic which he felt important to instill in his friends and family. His classic greeting to new acquaintances was the unforgettable, “I’m glad you got to meet me!”
During his final years, our Pappaw resided with his granddaughter, Audrey, and her husband, John Harper, in Monroe. Our family will forever be grateful to them for sharing their home and the loving care they provided. A special thank you goes to a cherished friend, Kevin Drumheller, who often was called upon to help during a crisis and without fail, was always there to lend a helping hand.
A celebration of life with Masonic memorial services will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, at Fleetwood Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 92, 8575 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, Virginia. Come prepared to share a meal and swap stories to celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Oak Island Masonic Lodge No. 758, P.O. Box 154, Oak Island, NC 28465; or Masonic Lodge Fleetwood Harmony No. 92., P.O. Box 376, Lovingston, VA 22949.
