Robert Pons Martinat

Robert Pons Martinat, 69, died unexpectedly at home on the morning of August 19, 2017.

Bob was born on April 3, 1948 in Valdese, NC. He was the second child of Donald and Sylby Martinat.

After graduating from Valdese High School, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and from which he graduated with a degree in Business Administration.  For many years, Bob has owned Granite Memorials, Inc., in Mt. Airy, NC. The families he helped remember him as compassionate and supportive, and appreciated the respect and attention to detail he gave to their requests.

In 1995, Bob married Elizabeth (Libby) Boling Ziglar, of Winston-Salem. They lived most of their married lives in Rural Hall, NC, residing in the second-floor apartment of a historical building on Broad Street. Bob was a man of many interests, many of which he pursued avidly; reading, history, good food and wine, travel, golf, and Carolina Basketball.  He loved a good political debate, and was devoted to his Yorkies, especially Healey and Riley; and his Terrier mix, Wally. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 22 years, Libby, of the home; his brother and sister-in-law, Donald H. and Kathryn Martinat, of Pilot Mountain, NC; his niece, Lynn Campbell (Kevin) and their children, of Pilot Mountain; and his nephew, Donald H. Martinat III “Tres”, of Charlotte, NC.  He is also survived by his in-laws, Dick and Lynn Ziglar, of Atlanta, GA; his sister-in-law, Laura Hunt and her family; his brother-in-law, Will Ziglar and his family; and many lifelong friends. 

The Funeral Service will be held by Pastor Amanda Santolla on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 11 A.M. at Hills Presbyterian Church, 266 Hills Presbyterian Church Road, Pilot Mountain, NC with burial and a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Pearl Project, P.O. Box 25044, Winston-Salem, NC 27114; or the Buddy Fund, Ard-Vista Animal Hospital, 527 South Stratford Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home of Pilot Mountain (http://www.coxneedham.com, www.facebook.com/coxneedham) is respectfully serving the Martinat family.