It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Clanton “Johnny” Martin, born 9/11/1952 and died 8/11/2026 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga TN. He had developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (AMAN variant) after an intestinal illness; the medical team at Erlanger gave him every chance they could but cardiac complications were too much to overcome.
Johnny was the son of Clarence and Madge Martin, and grew up in Gadsden AL. He attended Gadsden High School and the University of Alabama, where he obtained a degree in Accounting / Finance. He worked as an accountant for various businesses in Gadsden and Centre, Alabama, later beginning his own accounting service.
Johnny was a people person and never met a stranger. He loved Alabama football and he loved tennis in any form, both playing and watching matches. He delighted in getting together over food with family and all of his friends. He was a dedicated member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter and greatly cherished his church family.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy, his sister Lynn Smith, children, Margie Longshore and Marcus (Melissa) Longshore. Dear to his heart were Sandra Legette, Dakota Longshore, Cora Mitchell and Theo Mitchell.
Other close and beloved extended family members were Kathy and Bruce Davis, Brent Smith (deceased), Savannah Aldridge, Bedford Aldridge, Marje and Stan Dailey, Katie and Owen Peneguy, John and Jessica Derrick, Jan and Mike Butler, John Longshore, Jana McEachern (deceased), and Jill Sanderson.
We will all miss him terribly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter, Gadsden, Alabama, or a charity of your choosing.
A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter at 156 South Ninth Street, Gadsden, Alabama, on Tuesday October 6, 2026, at 11:00am, with a reception to follow.
