In the early 1970s, shortly after marrying at the age of 16, Marty followed his parents back to their childhood home of Pontotoc, Mississippi. There, he remained for the rest of his life—on the same land his grandmother’s family once sharecropped, and which his father later purchased as their homeplace in Hurricane Bottom.
Marty was a devoted father to three children: Melissa Harrison (Jason), Lynn McLaughlin, and Penny Logan (Will); and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Kellen Harrison, Erin Harrison, Kara Morrisson, John Thomas McLaughlin, and Kallie Logan.
He began his working life at Ram Golf in Pontotoc and became one of the first hires at Cooper Tire in 1987. He worked there as a tire builder for thirty years before retiring in 2017.
A self-taught musician, Marty played guitar entirely by ear, spending countless hours sharing music with friends over the years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing, particularly in his earlier years after returning to Mississippi. He was an avid reader, a fan of historical documentaries, and a lifelong advocate for the importance of education—values he passed on to his family.
Those who knew Marty well will remember his sharp wit, quick humor, and his fearless honesty. He was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church and a longtime Freemason in the Ecru Lodge, following in the footsteps of his beloved grandfather, Richard J. McLaughlin.
Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Bazel and Bennie McLaughlin; and his grandparents, Richard J. McLaughlin and Ola Bell Goggans McLaughlin, and Sanford and Thelma Waites Graham—all of Pontotoc. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and two brothers: Barry McLaughlin (Karen) and R. Shane McLaughlin (Rachel).
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc, MS.
A Celebration of Life will take place Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Shady Grove Baptist Church, with Reverend David Barnett officiating.
Pallbearers: Lynn McLaughlin, Barry McLaughlin, R. Shane McLaughlin, Kellen Harrison, Jason Harrison, and Will Logan.
