Ralph E. Martin, age 81, passed from this earth to his heavenly home on June 17, 2018. He was born December 13, 1936 to Hoy and Nora Martin of Hermitage, TN, graduated from Dupont High School in 1954, and married the love of his life, Mildred Smith, on March 11, 1955. A devoted husband, father, and "Papa", he and Mildred were married for 63 years. He retired after 40 years of service with the Internal Revenue Service, and in his retirement enjoyed driving a bus for Grayline Tours. He was a faithful member of Old Hickory Church of Christ for 53 years, where he also served as a deacon and elder for 30 years. His heart was in service to God and others, and he demonstrated this by serving with the church bus ministry, at Bible camp, as a Bible class teacher, with the Second Milers group, and in mission work in India, where he made several trips sharing the Gospel. Ralph was very mechanical and was known to be able to "fix" anything needed. He and Mildred loved to travel, making new friends, and he enjoyed watching sports. He was most proud of his 3 children and 4 grandchildren, loving and supporting them in all of their decisions and endeavors. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mildred Smith Martin; children, Karen Martin, Ronnie (Ramona) Martin, Kristi (John) Sibert; grandchildren, Christian Shane (Jade) Sibert, Jared Martin, Faith Sibert, Benjamin Martin; brother, Glenn (Dee) Martin, sisters Bettye Martin Bales and Faye (Charlie) Alsup; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, Donald Martin, Christine Stanton, and Joe Martin. Visitation will be Thursday, June 21st 4-8 pm at Old Hickory Church of Christ and Friday June 22nd 1-2 pm with service to follow at 2 pm at Old Hickory Church of Christ. Internment to follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ralph's honor to Old Hickory Church of Christ India fund or Churches of Christ Disaster Relief fund.
