Mr. Franklin Martin, age 75, of Arab, Alabama passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham, AL. Franklin was born March 28, 1948 in Madison County, Alabama, the son of Fonzie Oscar Martin and Annie Bell Bridges Martin. He and his wife, Melba Mae Robertson Martin, were married for over 56 years. He retired from Redstone Arsenal where he was employed as a package specialist. Franklin was a self-proclaimed “sinner saved by Grace.” He attended Christ Church in Olde Town, Huntsville, Alabama.
Franklin thoroughly enjoyed people. He loved his family and made sure they knew it. He was extremely generous and would attempt to help anyone in need. Franklin spent many mornings at McDonald’s enjoying coffee with his buddies. Along with his family, these buddies were very important to him. During football season, he enjoyed cheering on his favorite team, the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Franklin is survived by a loving family which includes his wife, Melba Martin; sons, Craig Martin (LeAndra), Wayne Martin (Lisa); grandchildren, Whitney Barrett (Jason), Alex Black (Joshua), Anna Grace Martin, and Jackson Martin; great grandchildren, Everlee Barrett, Elsie Barrett, and Eliza Black; brother, Clyde Martin; sister, Jean Feemster; sister-in-law, Ann Martin.
Services for Franklin will be 3:00 pm Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. 1340 North Main Street, Arab, AL 35016. A visitation for friends and family will be prior to the service between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Brother Murray Wilton and Brother Greg Brown will be officiating. Pallbearers escorting Franklin to his final resting place in Arab Memorial Cemetery will be Jason Barrett, Joshua Black, Jackson Martin, Bobby Moon, James Martin and Larry Bowman. Honorary pallbearers will be Bud Blakely, Bob Mercer, Wayne Bunch and Kay Gibbs.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages donation to A Team Ministries, 1809 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35029, Ph# 205-401-8232. This group offers spiritual, financial and emotional support to children and families on the pediatric cancer journey.
Arrangement entrusted to Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, Arab, Alabama
