Alton Lamar Martin, Sr.
Al Martin, 86, died Thursday, April 7, at his home in Fort Mill, S.C.
Mr. Martin was born in Jasper County, on July 21, 1924, to Vada Aiken Martin and William Caswell Martin, Sr.
He was a member of Unity Presbyterian Church of Fort Mill, S.C. Mr. Martin was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S Army in France and Belgium. He was a 1950 graduate of the University of Georgia, and a 1952 graduate of Atlanta Law School. He and his family moved to Fort Mill in 1968. He served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from June 1950 until his retirement in June 1979.
He was a member of Walton Masonic Lodge in Shady Dale for more than 50 years. He served as a member of the Board of York County Natural Gas Authority. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, outdoorsman, and gardener. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.
For the past 59 years, he was the beloved husband of Carolyn Newton Martin. He was preceded in death by his three older brothers, W.C Martin Jr., Hugh Martin, and Joe B. Martin. All four brothers served in the military during World War II. He was also preceded in death by his older sister, Mary Martin Blackmon.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his four children, Ginny M. Ruffner of Seattle, Wash., Kay LaMar M. Argroves of Madison, Melinda M. Jester of Orlando Fla., Alton L. Martin, Jr. Greenville S.C., and seven precious grandchildren, Nathan Argroves, Lindsey Argroves, Ben Jester, Olivia Jester, Alton L. Martin, III, Mary Carolyn Martin, and Rosser Martin.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1267, Fort Mill, S.C. 29716.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 9 from 6-9 p.m. at Unity Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held at Unity Presbyterian Church, Historic Sanctuary in Fort Mill, on Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m.
A grave side service will be held at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Shady Dale on Monday, April 11 at 11 a.m. Dr. John Brown will officiate.
Jordan Funeral Home of Monticello is in charge of local arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com for more information.