There is so much that can be said about Randy - Pastor, friend, brother in Christ, kind, caring, always there when you need him and so easy to love. He was a great lover of people. You instantly wanted to get to know him. I have known him for about 60 years. He was my pastor at two different churches but more importantly he was like family to me. He was a blessing to my whole family and we all loved him. To know him was to love him. I will miss you my dear friend. I have had so many memories running through my mind and I cherish every one of them. I know we will see you again one day. I cannot imagine what you have been feeling and seeing as you walked into Jesus’ open arms. I am sure that he heard Him say-welcome home good and faithful servant. My prayers are with Patsy, Melissa, Stacey and the rest of the family.

I will always remember Randy as one of the most outstanding people I have met in my lifetime. I first met him when we both served on the Holston Conference Christian Witness Drama Team in 1967, and years later he became my minister at Hixson United Methodist Church, where he served for 12 years—the longest tenure of any minister at that church.

Everyone who knew Randy loved him. Even in those early days on the Christian Witness Drama Team, we all admired him and viewed him as our leader because he was so charismatic, joyful, fun-loving, and a friend to everyone.

Years later, after he became my minister and I heard him preach his excellent and thoughtful sermons, I would tease him by asking how he had become so wise over the years, and he would just laugh. He was a wonderful Christian man, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Dear Patsy, Stacey, Robb, Melissa, Tim, children, and entire Martin Family ~ my thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. You all entered my life at St. John United Methodist Church.  My mother was blessed to work with Randy.  Randy was so much more than my Pastor, he was a dear family friend. The phrase “To know Randy is to love Randy” is very true!! Our Heavenly Family Reunion is getting very large. Stacey and Melissa, I am certain that my precious daddy was a member of the group that welcomed your dad HOME !!!! Every day is one day closer to seeing Our Heavenly Father, and our earthly dads again. Love you all, Lisa Camp

It was wonderful to know such a caring and compassionate person whose life touched so many people. Even more, all that Randy did and was as a  person was greatly punctuated by a great sense of humor.  I loved getting to know Randy when
We were both at Tennessee Wesleyan.  It is that Randy from that time that I will remember most vividly and be most grateful for.   He epitomized for me what a United Methodist minister should be.  Steve Byrum

Words cannot do much to heal the Randy-size hole left in the hearts of the loved ones left behind after the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and pastor. However, I lift my prayers for God to hold all those left behind in His loving arms and to give solace during the next days, weeks, months and years.
My family and the Martin's were intertwined in the 60's in Chattanooga. We all attended church at Jones Memorial Methodist Church. I was younger than all the Martin kids but my older sisters were contemporaries. We all knew "Big Bob" and Marie and were at their home often. Randy was always a great guy to all of us "littles."
I saw him infrequently throughout the years since we were "family" through marriage. His nephew Andy is my nephew, too. Randy was always happy to see us and catch up with life's happenings.
I have to believe that he is now having the time of his new life and having a reunion to beat all reunions. May the assurance of his glorious homecoming give you some comfort as you go through these days. To God be the glory.

Randy expressed the love of Christ by knowing and caring for the people he met and served. As our pastor at Hixson United Methodist, it was striking to be in a room where he might be scheduled to present something, and to observe that, as each person came in, he knew something about each one individually and the situations they or others in the church might be going through. By the time everyone was in the room and ready to start, you realized that you had already observed a master class in compassion, care, and connection. He faced difficult situations with a positive attitude, and his sermons and life made one want to be a better person.  He will be missed by his family and many others.
Tom and Ann Rybolt

Hospice Care Center in C/O

Visitation

A Celebration of Life

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Martin, his parents Bob and Marie Martin, and his sister Billie McDonald.


He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patsy Martin, his daughters Stacey (Robb) Ladd, Melissa (Tim) Brooks, his brother Bob (Judy) Martin, and his sister Bobbie (David) Graziano. He was also blessed with six grandchildren. Bailey (Max) Waltz, Tripp Ladd, Emma Ladd, Tim (Julianna) Brooks, Tara Brooks and Gibbs Brooks, and four great grandchildren.

OBITUARY

Randall "Randy" Bruce Martin

August 13, 1947 – May 18, 2026

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel and Hamilton Memorial Gardens

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