Gilbert Lee Martin

A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Eubank Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the funeral home with Bro. Brian McWhorter officiating. Pallbearers - Mark Holcomb, Timothy Holcomb, Jeremiah Ragona, Anthony Ragona, Josh Chitty, and Johnny Chitty.

Gilbert was born on March 10, 1949, in Lakeland, Florida, to GB Martin and Ina Buryl Winslow Martin. Throughout his life, he will be remembered with affection by those who had the privilege to know him, and marked by a steady compassion that showed most clearly in the way he valued family, friendship, and time together.

Gilbert grew up in Lakeland, Florida and joined the army at an early age. He proudly served during Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Unit and was a recipient of a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during his service. His service reflected a life shaped by duty and sacrifice, and his presence afterward carried the quiet strength of someone who had endured much and still made room for others.

A man who never stayed still, Gilbert became a truck driver after his military service, and his love of travel was instilled in him. The road suited him—its miles, its changing horizons, and the sense of purpose found in steady work—yet it never diminished what mattered most: the people he loved and the time he made for them.

Gilbert met the love of his life, Judy Chitty, at a truck stop where she was a waitress. Over coffee and small talk, a deep and devoted love grew—one that lasted over 43 years. They married on February 3, 1975, and built a wonderful life full of love and laughter, a partnership remembered with gratitude by their family and all who witnessed the warmth of their home.

In his quieter hours, Gilbert enjoyed fishing, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. He had a laugh like no other, and those who heard it will remember how easily it could lift a room. Time with family made the best days. He could often be found relaxing with old westerns and movies—especially the black-and-whites, which he considered the best shows.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, GB and Ina Martin; beloved wife, Judy Martin; sisters, Christine Mulford and Sheila Collins.

He is survived by his children: Phillip Martin and wife, Melissa of Mesquite, Texas, Corenea Holcomb and husband, Mark of Greenville, Texas, Carol Ragona of Katy, Texas; grandchildren: Mark Holcomb, Timothy Holcomb and wife, Sarah, Jeremiah Ragona, Anthony Ragona and wife, Kaley, Jamie Sykes and husband, Timothy; great grandchildren: Harper Holcomb, Hudson Holcomb, Holdon Holcomb, London Holcomb, C. J. Ragona, Jack Ragona; sisters: Diane McClellan, Gloria Williamson, Elaine Burch; and many nieces and nephews; a multitude of other family and friends.

Gilbert will be laid to rest next to his beloved Judy at Old Bethel Cemetery in Canton, Texas.