Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 26, 1995 TAG: 9506260169
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LYNCHBURG LENGTH: Medium
``I've known Carter Martin for over 30 years so I'm going to stay right here,'' said Gallier, her reddened face wet with tears, her voice quaking. ``We go back to the third grade. He never changed. He was the sweetest person you ever want to know.
``If you ask, I think you'll hear the same thing from everyone here.''
But it would have been impossible, because of their numbers, to ask everyone.
An estimated 1,500 people joined Gallier Sunday to remember the man who drowned last week trying to reach cars submerged after the aging Timberlake dam burst.
Mourners filled the school auditorium, where Martin's flag-draped casket sat on a stage, surrounded by floral arrangements - too many to count.
And when the auditorium became packed to capacity, the overflow was sent to the cafeteria, where a tiny television monitor and speakers broadcast the funeral service.
And when the cafeteria filled to its doors, those who could not get in returned to the lobby outside the auditorium, straining to hear the words and music.
Martin, 41, was a firefighter with the Lynchburg Fire Department, a volunteer member of the Brookville/Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department, an assistant coach at Brookville High School, a substitute teacher, head usher at the Timberlake Methodist Church, husband to Fonda, father to Katelyn, son, brother, son-in-law.
``He was someone who was there in so many ways,'' the Rev. James M. Tongue said, ``and you've all come in gratitude for that life. He placed his life at risk, acting with enormous and wonderful courage and strength.
``It's a terrible loss. But with his life, our lives have been deeply touched.''
One corner of the school parking lot was reserved for the vehicles of firefighters, rescue squads and police officers who had traveled from as far as Petersburg for the funeral.
They congregated outside before the service, a sea of black and navy and bright blue.
``We always respect a fellow fireman,'' said Gene Wagner, who is with Mount Pleasant Fire and Rescue in Roanoke County. ``They'll be here from everywhere.''
During the service, Ed Martin said many people didn't know how hard his younger brother worked to become a firefighter - ``his dream.''
Last week, when the dam burst, ``he went out in the rain and did as he always did. Carter would do it his way. Carter would do it the right way.
``So, Carter, I want to say to you today, at 45 years old, `You are my hero.'''
Chris Doss, whom Martin coached in football, wrote a letter to him. Through tears, he read it at the service.
``Dear Carter,'' he began. Then he went on to tell of the lessons he'd learned from Martin, how his coaching was about more than the sport but about life. He also said how much it meant when Martin showed up for his college games.
``I never told you this but I loved you like a father,'' Doss said. ``There were a lot of people who loved you. Take care and God bless.
``Friends forever, Chris.''
by CNB