Bobby J. Martin, 79 of Double Springs, entered into rest on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at his home surrounded by the family that he loved dearly.
Bob was born on December 29, 1936. He was a life-long member of the Double Springs First United Methodist Church, faithfully attended Double Springs First Baptist Church with his family;. He served on many committees at church, taught Sunday School, worked at VBS, children’s choir, church bus driver and numerous other activities in the church.
He graduated in 1955 from Winston County High School and completed two years at Northwest Alabama Junior College in Phil Campbell. Bob was a business man like his father. He and his wife owned Martin Grocery, Martin Hardware, and was also a licensed real estate agent. He later became a rural mail carrier and was with the U.S. Postal Service for 29 years upon his retirement.
Bob loved to serve his community. He was Fire Chief for the Town of Double Springs for many years. He was a member of the Double Springs Town Council and was instrumental in obtaining the funds to construct the Double Springs Community Center and pool. He was a Master Gardener graduate, charter member of Double Springs Civitan Club, member of Double Springs Lion’s Club, Boy Scout Master, a 17 year member of the Alabama Army National Guard and an honorary member of the Double Springs Study Club.
Bob loved the study of history and family geneology. He was chairman of the Double Springs Centennial Scrapbook Committee in 1987.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 12-2pm at Nichols Funeral Home in Double Springs, where services will be held at 2pm. Brother George Whitten and Brother Bill Frank Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow at Winston Memorial Cemetery.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joyce Howell Martin; daughter, Betsy Harrison (Kevin) Andrews; brother, Tommy (Brenda) Martin; he was “Grand Dad Bob” to two grandchildren, Katie Harrison, engaged to Danny Libera, and Leslie Harrison, engaged to Scott Hicks; and great granddaughter, Lillian Saige Harrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L.V. and Vernie Martin; brother, Bill Martin; sister-in-law, Hildred Martin Jeffreys; sister and brother-in-law, L.C. and Doris Gibreath; and nephew, Mike Gilbreath.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Susan Wise, John and Betty Hunter, and Southern Care Hospice.
Pallbearers will be Eric Gilbreath, Carl Hunter, Dewayne Hampton, John O. Hunter, Kevin Andrews and Mike Howell. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Adult Men Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made in memory of Bobby J. Martin to Gideons International, Operation Christmas Child/Samaritan’s Purse or the American Cancer Society.
