Ralph David Martin, 71, of Big Creek, was called home Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Grenada Lake Medical Center in Grenada. He was born October 7, 1942 in Yazoo City, the son of William Reed Martin and Hattie Mae Mulvihill Martin. He was a member of Carrolton Baptist Church. He had served his country in the U.S. Air Force. During his early years, he worked at the BellSouth Telephone Company in Greenwood, and he was a pilot. After moving to Big Creek in 1973, he was the co-owner of Martin’s Grocery. He was an avid, well-known fisherman who truly loved spending time on the lake and time with his family.
Visitation will be Friday, May 9, from 5- 8 p.m. at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 10 at Pryor Funeral Home Chapel in Calhoun City with Bro. Mark Longino and Bro. John Hearn officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Big Creek. Pryor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers are Billy Martin, Ricky Martin, Bobby Martin, Bud Davis, David Poynor, Duane “Speck” Poynor, Michael Poynor and Roger Poynor. Honorary pallbearers are George Winters, Jason Martin, Popie Pope, Charles Liles, Justin Martin, Colton Martin, Chris Harcrow, Wesley Martin, Trey Moore, Joey Simmons, Larry Joe James, Troy Winters and Mike Mize.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jamie Sue Poynor Martin; his daughter, Liz (Gene) Alexander; his son, Mark (Cheryl) Martin, all of Big Creek. He is also survived by four granddaughters that he dearly loved and devoted his life to, Jeri-Laken Alexander (Kipper) Greer, Brittany Martin (Cody) Greer, Jayla Alexander (Justin) Greer, and Madysen Martin. He was blessed with great-grands, Alayna Murphree, Jersi Greer, and Jacob Greer. He was looking forward to the fourth one, Jaystin Greer. He is also survived by his sisters, Carolyn Jones, Big Creek; Barbara (Bob) Mastellar, Lake Washington, and Francis Davis, Greenwood; his brother, Raymond (Ruth) Martin, San Diego, CA; sister-in-law, Minnie (George) Winters, brothers-in-law, David (Lisa) Poynor, Big Creek; Speck Poynor, Union, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Reed Martin and Mae Mulvihill Martin; sister, Margaret Nichols; brothers, Robert Martin, Billy Martin, and Paul Martin.
Online condolences can be left at pryorfuneralhome.com