ONANCOCK, Va. -- Dr. Ernest Wilson Martin Jr., 74, departed this life Wednesday.

Born May 8, 1938, in Warren, Ark., his parents were the late Ernest Martin Sr. and Mabel Belin Martin.

Ernie graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. He attended Duke Divinity School in Durham, N.C., and ultimately earned a doctorate in education there.

Ernie began his career as a coach and teacher in North Carolina before serving as a principal and administrator in the Lynchburg Public Schools.

He became associate superintendent in the Virginia State Department of Education, before retiring to assume the position of Superintendent of Schools in Greeneville, Tenn. He subsequently retired in 2000, moving to the Eastern Shore in 2003.

Aside from his professional pursuits, Dr. Martin was active in the Ruritan Club, the Lions Club, and Methodist churches.

He was a devoted husband and father, a lifelong gardener, and an avid golfer and fisherman.

He is perhaps best known for instigating "The Annual Brunswick Stew" at Market Street United Methodist Church in Onancock. He was also instrumental in establishing the local Parkinson's Support Group.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Betty Mason Martin; three daughters: Marianne Kibler of Onancock, Melanie Long of Marietta, Ga., and Melissa Payne of Onancock; sons-in-law: Harrison Long and Terry Payne; grandchildren: Alexandra and Matthew Wadford, Sarah and Ernest Kibler, Oliver and Nathaniel Long, Everett and Martin Savage, and Hayley Payne; and sister: Sarah Herring of Port St. Joe, Fla.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Market Street UM Church. The Rev. Robert M. Chapman II will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to Market Street UM Church, 75 Market St., Onancock, VA 23417, or to Hospice of the Eastern Shore, Parkinson's Support Group, 165 Market St., Suite 3, Onancock, VA 23417.

Williams-Onancock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at http://www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.