Charles Greene Martin

MARTIN, Charles Greene, died peacefully Friday, November 7, 2014 surrounded by his family. Born in Macon, Ga. on February 1, 1928, Charlie moved to Tampa at a young age and always considered it home. He was the son of the late Fred R. Martin, Jr. and the late Jane Greene Martin Smith. He was predeceased by his older brother, Fred R. Martin, III and grandson Richard Lee Casey, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Wilma Cowart Martin; sons Charles G. Martin, Jr. (Cathy) and Joseph R. Martin (Heidi); daughter Alva Lynn “Alvie” Casey (Lee); grandchildren Charles III, Maggie and Katie Martin, Wesley and Maddie Martin, and Virginia Casey Galavis (Andrew “Bear”), Sarah and Jack Casey; and sister-in-law Helen Woodward Martin. Charlie attended Gorrie, Wilson and Plant High Schools. In 1961 he started Martin Warehouse Company and continued ownership until he retired in 1982. Charlie was always known as a devoted father and grandfather. Through the years, he spent many great times with family and friends at the family’s “Sixpence” beach house in Indian Shores. In retirement he enjoyed a stint as a builder, constructing and selling a number of houses in South Tampa. He also loved playing tennis, traveling and spending time in Cashiers, N.C. Playing poker on Tuesdays with his buddies was a longstanding tradition and a highlight of his later years. Charlie was a member of the Rotary Club, Merrymakers Club, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, where he served as Commodore in 1982. The Martin family is grateful to Willie Mae Rawls, Percy Nicholes and the nursing staff at Canterbury Tower Health Center for their thoughtfulness and care of Charlie in recent years. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 4211 W. San Miguel, 33679 on Friday, Nov. 14 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, 5550 Executive Drive, #300, Tampa, FL 33609 or Mary Lee’s House, 2906 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, TAMPA, FL.