John B. Martin, Jr.
March 22, 2018
John B. Martin, Jr. peacefully entered his heavenly home on Thursday, March 22, 2018. John was born September 30, 1922 in Barnesville, NC. He was the child of wonderful Christian parents, Effie and Bunn Martin and the brother to a sister and three younger brothers.
At an early age, John moved to Fayetteville, NC. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years. He attended Western Carolina University and in 1947 married Dixie Livingston. They were blessed with two daughters, Anne and Kay.
John, who was with American Defender Life Insurance Company, moved the family to Charlotte in 1969. They joined First Baptist Church, where he was an active member and faithfully served as a deacon.
If one word could describe John, it would be the word ‘others’. He always put others first and was truly an unselfish man. His extended family was also important to him and he always looked forward to family reunions and seeing ‘his people’.
John is survived by Dixie, his wife of 70 years and his daughter, Kay Pippin and her husband, Bill. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Britt Vaden and his wife, Shannon, Hannah Gray and her husband, Peter, Grayson Pippin and his wife, Megan, Elizabeth Vaden and Mag Vaden; and five great-grandchildren who were so special to him. Son-in-law, Steve Vaden and his wife, Abbey, also survive him. John is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. His precious daughter, Anne Vaden, preceded him to heaven.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial will be held later in Fayetteville.
Memorials can be made to Missions at First Baptist Church Charlotte, 301 S. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28202 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Dixie and family, how sorry we are to kinow that you have lost John after 70 years together. We are accustomed to seeing him driving home from work each day and we will miss that. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the services, but please know that we are thinking of you. When Nick died, I had asked for you to sing at his funeral, and you weren't able to do so, but you and John came to the house and sang IN THE GARDEN, for me, and I appreciated it very much, and I will always remember your thoughtfulness. Please know that we are thinking of you and share your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Dixie and family, we are so sorry to know that you have lost John. We are so used to seeing you go by from work almost every day and to know that you are just down the street. I have grown a little older too now and do not move about anymore much anymore but I do think of you all often. I will always remember how very kind and nice you were to come to me and sing "I Come to the Garden" in my den when Nick died. That really meant so much to me and John was with you that day. Thank you for that.. Please know that we are thinking about all oy you and share your sorrow. The boys remember John's always being so friendly with them whener. He will be missed.
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