Major (retired) Roy Dophele Martin, age 81, of Ellisville went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 2, 2012 at the Veterans Home in Collins after a lengthy struggle with cancer. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 5 from 5:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. and continuing Friday morning July 6 from 9:00-10:00 at the Ellisville Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, July 6 at 10:30 at the Ellisville Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at the Gandy Cemetery. Pastors Benjamin Glasser and David Wakeland will officiate.

Roy was a faithful Christian and a member of Ellisville Presbyterian Church. He exemplified Christ through his love of his family, friends, and church. He was a loving husband to Martha Jo Sellers; they recently celebrated their 59th anniversary on June 13.

Roy fought in the Korean War and two tours in the Vietnam War. He was also the first executive officer and then team commander of the Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights; he was an original team member. His exceptional ability and experience and his combat excellence resulted in him being awarded five combat medals for heroism, including the nation’s second highest combat award, the Distinguished Service Cross. Other military honors include, the Bronze Star Medal, the First Oak Leaf Cluster with “V” Device for valor to the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Dolphus Cicero Martin and Sally Poole Martin, and his son, Ricky Delwyn Martin. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Jo Sellers Martin of Ellisville; one son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Deanna Martin of McComb; one daughter and son-in law, Henry and Michelle Mallette of Grand Bay, Alabama. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Connie (Richard) Cade of Clinton; Kayla (Aaron) Watson of Tuscola,Texas; Lauren Martin, Kelsey Martin, and Madison Martin all of Summit; he is also survived by 1 great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Watson. He is survived by one brother, Vallace Rufus Martin and two nieces, Voncile Martin and Loriette Huggins all of Jackson, Mississippi.

Members of the Military Honor Guard will serve as the pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Batton, Wayne Berry, Scott Collins, Keith Jones, Perry Myrick, Eric Probst, Fred Pittman, Jeff Pittman, Billy Shoemake, Michael Shotwell, Scott Smith, and Craig Sims. The family would like to thank the staff of the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Collins, Gentiva Hospice of Magee, Comfort Care Hospice of Laurel, Drs. Shannon Penland and Eric Probst, and other medical staff for their kind and compassionate care during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Ellisville Presbyterian Church. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.