He was born June 9, 1931, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, a son of the late Odie Leon Martin and Leona Delaughter Martin.
Mr. Martin was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean War. He served as Commander for more than 18 years for various American Legion posts throughout Mississippi. He was the only Commander in the state of Mississippi that received the National Membership Chairman of the Year Award, and for 16 years received the Gold Brigade Membership Award.
Mr. Martin had a very deep love for his country and for life. It always showed, and he lived life to the fullest till the very end! He was loved by MANY, and will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Lorene Martin; sons, Gary Martin, and Ronnie Britt; and brother, Odell Martin.
Survivors include son, Kenneth Ray Martin (Cynthia); daughters, Sharon Iles (David), and Susan Knight (Dale); grandchildren, Cody Martin (Claire), Jennifer Henning, Shanna Reyes (Ricky), Kathleen Kirkman, Jeffrey Martin, Daven Schmidt (Jessica), Brooke Knight, Victoria Knight, Natasha Oldfield (Seth), and Prentiss Knight (Joni); 14 great-grandchildren; his BFF and partner in crime, Sharon Herron; and his special friend, Bobbie Chapin.
Visitation will be held from 11:00am until 1:00pm, Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will begin at 1:00pm in the funeral home chapel. The services will be officiated by Rev. Hal Higgins, with tributes offered by Mr. Ron Roberts, and Mr. Steve Sweet. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Watkins, James Till, Randy Jordan, Dale Gunter, Eric Thomas, Ronnie Bennett, Cody Martin, and Daven Schmidt. In accordance with Mr. Martin's wishes, following the services his earthly remains will be cremated and his ashes laid to rest in a private family service at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton.
Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 112.
