Joel Michael “Mike” Martin, 57, passed away Friday, October 29, 2021, surrounded by his children. A lifelong resident of Glencoe, Al. He graduated from Glencoe High School in 1982, where he played trumpet in the band. Mike loved animals and being outdoors. He spent lots of time hunting, fishing and “just piddlin’” on the family farm. Mike loved Alabama football, Nascar, and all things Star Trek. He was a long-time employee of the Gulf State Steel, where he worked in the blast furnace. Mike also served as a Glencoe volunteer fireman in his younger years.
In 1987, he chose to become a father and adopted his oldest child, Daphne, who was five. In 1989, he welcomed a son, Geoffrey. He had many special pets over the years and was always willing to give a stray a home. He taught his children to be adventurous and try new things, especially foods, by insisting that they try at least one bite of everything. He was the dad that held you over the railing as you screamed in terror, pushed you into the pool/lake/river, and laughed at inappropriate jokes. He said things like “you’re cruising for a bruising.” He checked the kids out of school when their mom wouldn’t, and birthdays were never school days, even if you had a test.
Mike leaves behind his children, Daphne Stewart, of Rome, Georgia, and Geoffrey Martin of Glencoe. He had three grandchildren, Ryan, Wyatt, and Amelia Stewart, also of Rome, Georgia. He is survived by his parents, W.O. “Skeet” and Imogene Martin of Glencoe, who loved him beyond words and encouraged him every day of his life. He leaves one older brother, Rodney (Cindy) Martin.
Mike left clear instructions for his children about what arrangements he preferred once he was gone, and they have chosen to give their dad his final wishes. A private family service will be held. No public service will be held, but you can honor Mike through donations to the Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center located at 4200 Brooke Ave. in Gadsden, Alabama.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Martin family.
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