Rev. Roy Raymond Martin Jr.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Raymond Martin, Sr. and Daisy Martin; and sisters, Martha Martin and Shirley Martin Temple. He was born in Charleston, SC on May 12, 1923 and was baptized, licensed and ordained to preach in the old, historical First Baptist Church, Charleston.

Ray was a graduate of Charleston High School, The Citadel in Charleston, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and served within the occupational forces as Public Welfare Chief, Kagawa Military Government Team, Kagawa Perfecture, Takamatsu, and Shikoku, Japan. In addition, he served as Chaplain to the military Government Team. He was discharged November 30, 1947.

Ray served in several churches in South Carolina: Folly Beach Baptist Church, North Baptist Church, and Isle of Palms Baptist Church. He retired from the Federal Government in 1987 after 19 years of service as a conciliator. He loved working with computers and music. He was a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, AL and sang in the Dawsonaires Choir.

Ray is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie Anderson Martin; son, Roy Raymond Martin III (Carmen) and granddaughter Hannah; son, John Martin (Eliza) and granddaughter Victoria of Boston, MA; and grandchildren, Emma, Sophie and Wynn Martin of Pigeon Forge, TN. Ray was a loving and compassionate person and will be greatly missed.

Visitation was at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham, AL on Monday, February 25, 2013, with the Celebration of Roy's Life service immediately following in the funeral home's chapel. Dr. Bill Johnston from Dawson Memorial Baptist Church officiated. Burial, Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. The family gives special thanks to the staff at Columbiana Health and Rehab for making Ray’s last days on earth comfortable. The compassion and care given to Ray and his family are greatly appreciated.