Johnnie Frank Martin Sr.

Johnnie was born in Demopolis, Alabama, on March 15, 1943. He was the fourth of ten children born to Heber and Nell Martin. He was raised in Marion, Alabama and was a beloved classmate in the class of '61. After high school, Johnnie felt a strong calling to serve his country. He joined the United States Air Force and, in a moment of youthful determination and deep love, borrowed a friend's car during bootcamp to return home and marry his sweetheart, Sue Ellen Turberville. That quick trip turned into a lifelong journey of devotion and adventure.

Johnnie served 22 years in Air Force telecommunications, with assignments that took him and his growing family across the world. He was stationed 3 times in Germany for a total of 12 years, 4 years in Italy, 1 year in Thailand, and served 3 years on the Inspector General team inspecting facilities all over the world. After his retirement from the military he settled his family in Douglasville, Georgia, and later Pell City, Alabama, where he worked for 20 years for MCI. Later he worked for 15 years with the Facilities Management Group for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Of all his careers, he often said this last one was his favorite - particularly because he had the privilege of caring for the Birmingham Alabama Temple.

He was grateful for his upbringing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a faithful member of the Church and served in many callings, from Scoutmaster to Bishop. Alongside Sue Ellen, he served an at-home mission for two years. His last church calling was Patriarch of the Birmingham Stake.

Johnnie loved the family that he built with Sue Ellen over their 62 years and 8 months of marriage. He was the proud father of 4 sons, 6 daughters, 3 daughters in law, 3 sons in law, and grandfather to 26 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren He loved to vacation with his family. They remember fondly his white shirt, belt, pants, shoes, and hat as his typical vacation outfit. His favorite place to visit was Disney World and he took all of the family there many times. In addition to vacationing, Johnnie enjoyed doing puzzles and collecting things like coins, LEGO, and other treasures.

In his later years, as Alzheimer's and declining health took hold, Johnnie and Sue Ellen moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, where he could receive the care he needed. Johnnie was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. He leaves behind a rich legacy of faith and love for His Savior, Jesus Christ and His Heavenly Father.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Heber Bruce and Virginia Nell Pritchett Martin, his brother Bruce Wayland Martin, his sister Patsy Virginia Martin Witte, and his son Henry Bruce Martin.

Johnnie is survived by his wife, Sue Ellen, and their children: Johnnie Frank Jr (Stephanie) Martin, Amanda Sue Martin, David Lee (Lisa) Martin, Elizabeth Ann (Herb) Roggermeier, Maryann Martin, Ruth Virginia Martin, Diane (Ben) Engstrom, Angel (Darin) Hardin, and Joseph Allen (Lacey) Martin; grandchildren: Joshua Martin, Maeve (Jack) Dean, Tyler Martin, Emily Grevera, Landon Martin, Makayla (Michael) Bandura, Sophie Roggermeier, Ethan (Gabi) Martin, Zachary Martin, Mia Engstrom, Henry Roggermeier, Max Roggermeier, Brandon Martin, Dallin Engstrom, Alex Roggermeier, Jackson Martin, Andrew Martin, Cami Engstrom, Hailey Martin, Katelyn Hardin, Harrison Hardin, Jenna Engstrom, Evan Martin, Tess Engstrom, Makinley Hardin, and Grace Martin; and great-grandchildren: Carl Dean, Rhett Grevera, Olivia Dean, Kenna Grevera, and Davy Claire Bandura. He is also survived by his siblings: Audrey, Charlie, Larry, Randy, Neva, Tony, Steve and dozens of nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 9:00 am with funeral services to follow at 10:00 am at the Leeds Ward Chapel, 8546 Rockhampton Street, Leeds, Alabama.

Interment will be at 3:00 pm the same day at the Magnolia Branch Cemetery, 115 County Road 36, Thomaston, Alabama.