Claude Martin Jr.

Claude was born on February 5, 1943 in Booneville, MS to Claude Dee and Doris Martin. “Sonny,” as he was known to his friends, was a graduate of Booneville High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University. He was employed by the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and later established Martin Engineering which was instrumental in the construction of the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. Sonny then served as the Public Works Director for the city of Jackson, Tennessee, and retired as the City Engineer for Jonesboro.

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Opal Martin of Jonesboro, AR; his faithful canine companion Lester; and his sister Kay (Don) House of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by his daughter Vicki (Walter) McMillan of Paragould, AR; one granddaughter, Jessica (Andrew) Biggs of Jonesboro; one grandson, John Martin (Kelsey) McMillan of Huntington, WV; and two great-grandchildren Claudia Brennan and William Jacob Biggs of Jonesboro.

In his younger years, he served as a member of the United States Army Reserves and was an enthusiastic little league baseball coach. Sonny gained a new name after the birth of his grandchildren and became “Big” from there on to his family and family friends. He could often be found in his kitchen making all sorts of sweets, breads, and meats, or in his workshop working away on various woodworking projects. Later, Big became an avid movie-watcher who loved the many John Wayne classics. In close second to the love he had for his family, he loved to watch the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pallbearers will include: John Martin McMillan, Walter McMillan, Andrew Biggs, Mackie Don Smith, Charley McMillan, Teddy Hooten and Charlie Spearman. Honorary Pallbearers are Francis Dunn, Quitman Wigginton, Eileen Uram, Randy Philhours and Ms. Buddy James.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 6p-8p at McMillan Funeral Home in Booneville, MS. The funeral will follow on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 11a, also at McMillan Funeral home in Booneville, with burial at Little Brown Cemetery. On Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at remembrance service will be held at 5p-7p at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations are made to:

Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1138 East Matthews, Jonesboro, AR 72401.