Crossing the Bar

"Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me. And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea." Alfred Lloyd Tennyson

Henri Lee Martin was called home from labor to reward after a short illness on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the age of 74. He was the only son and second child of the late Booker Taliaferro and Edna Margaret Wood-Martin. At age 12, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal LORD and Savior. He was baptized and joined the New Hope Baptist Church. He attended and graduated from Campbell County Schools in Rustburg, VA. Henri was a top honor student throughout his school years, graduating with high honors in the Campbell County High School Class of 1967. In the last two years of high school, he drove the school bus for extra money. Henri played minor baseball but was not on the team for long. He participated and was a member of the Science Club. After graduation, Henri attended North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Henri had exceptional leadership skills. He was focused and intentional about his life and career goals. In his 2nd year of college, he was drafted into the United States Army. He entered as First Lieutenant. Henri served in the United States Army Special Forces, "Green Berets." He continued to move up as an Officer in the military.

During his career, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged in October 1981. After his combat Vietnam service, Henri transitioned to information systems and logistics and continued in those disciplines as a civilian.

After moving from country to country and state to state, Henri and his wife, Shirley settled in New Orleans, Louisiana. Those who visited him in New Orleans were always treated like royalty. He was happy to see family and friends when they visited the city. Henri was a good neighbor willing to help others with projects. He continued to serve and worship God throughout his life, attending the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in New Orleans. Henri was an avid runner and had a routine for his early morning run.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Martin; his two children, Khang Martin of Atlanta, GA (granddaughter, Cameron Chapman) and daughter, Qiana Martin, of New York City, NY (children from previous marriage). His four sisters also survive him: Sonja Dickerson of Virginia Beach, VA (nephews, Ralph Dickerson, Donovan Dickerson, and Dexter Dickerson), Reverend Millicent M. Nash of Lynchburg, VA (niece, Jameal Clark), Lenora Ingram of Lynchburg, VA (niece, Mécole Ingram), and Corrine Kinebrew of Cincinnati, OH (niece, Tunu Kinebrew); close cousins, Adolphus (Skip) Pendergraph of Newport News, VA and Harold Pilgrim of Lynchburg, VA; and a host of other cousins, great nieces, great nephews, relatives, church members, and friends.

To honor his life, a memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the New Hope Baptist Church, 229 Pine Acres Dr., Lynchburg, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.