Martin Boyd Coyner III

July 7, 1952 - September 6, 2013
Martin Boyd Coyner III

Martin Boyd Coyner III died September 6th in Williamsburg, VA at the age of sixty-one. He lived for many years in Norfolk, VA, but his last six months were in Williamsburg, VA.

He was born in Richmond, VA July 7th, 1952. The son of M. Boyd Coyner Jr., emeritus professor of history at the College of William and Mary, and of his wife Betsie Gilmer Coyner daughter of the late professor and president of Hampden Sydney College, Thomas E. Gilmer and of his wife Betty Winston Gilmer.

Martin graduated from James Blair High School in Williamsburg, VA and received a B.A. with honors from James Madison University in 1976. Before retirement he served with the civil service at the Naval Operational Base in Norfolk, VA. Martin was as well known for his strong Christian faith as for his encyclopedic knowledge of world geography.

Martin is survived by his parents, his wife, Chantel Winkler of Cheaspeake, VA, two sisters, Meredith Klemm (Andy) of Glen Allen, VA, and Ruth Bell (Lewis) of Jackson, MS and brother Thomas Coyner of Willamsburg, and six nieces and nephews (Jack, Anna, Megan, Dabney, Peter and Winston).

Services will be held Tuesday, September 10th. Family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, with the funeral beginning at 2:00 at Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to World Challenge Inc., P.O. Box 260, Lindale, TX 75771-9990 or worldchallenge.org/mission.


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  • September 10, 2013
    Mort and Jenny Whitman says:
    Expressions of Sympathy Mort and Jenny Whitman has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.

  • September 11, 2013
    Kat Cummings says:
    I always enjoyed talking about maps with Martin. He was a gentle, sweet person. He always remembered that we both had graduated from JMU within a few years of each other. Many blessings to his family and friends.

  • September 11, 2013
    Anne Halpin Lee says:
    I went to James Blair High School with Martin. I remember him fondly, and he will always be in my memory as such an intelligent, sweet person! May his soul rest in peace.

  • September 11, 2013
    Carlene Richardson says:
    May you find comfort from God's promise at Isaiah 33:24. We await the time when God will fulfill this, unlike humans we know God does not lie. Condolences and prayers be with your family in this time of sorrow

  • September 10, 2013
    Bob Black says:
    So sorry that I just wasn't up to a trip to the funeral, but my thoughts will be with you during and after the service.