Smyrna - Harry D. Martin of Smyrna, South Carolina, left his earthly bonds and went home to the Father on April 3, 2018. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Mrs. Norma Jean Martin. The couple have three children: Rev. Rick Martin of Rock Hill, SC; Mrs. Pam Hughes of Hickory Grove, SC; and Karen Jean Martin, who died as an infant. Rick and his wife, Beverly Bratton Martin, have two children, Josh Martin and Melody Eldridge. Pam and her husband, Jeff Hughes, also have two children, Tanner and Baylee Hughes. Mr. Martin spent many happy hours being Paw to his four precious grandchildren. He continued that tradition with his great-grandchildren; Jailee Hughes, Maddox and Troy Eldridge, Hailey Martin, and step great-grandchildren Austin, Breanna, and Delainey Eldridge.

Mr. Martin was born on December 23, 1933. Preceding him in death are his loving parents, Stephen and Doris W. Martin, and his brother–in-law and sister-in-law, Rev. Alton and Diane Martin. He has three special siblings whose friendship he cherished: Mrs. Joanne Bolin and husband Max; Mr. Donald Martin and wife Marjorie; and Mr. Larry Martin and wife Kathy. He took great pleasure in being Uncle Harry D. to his eight nieces and nephews and in being a father figure to Sandra Petty, a beloved first cousin.

Mr. Martin worked for Nationwide Insurance for 40 years before his retirement in 2000. He earned the designation of Master Life Representative and Quality Auto Agent for many consecutive years. A graduate of Hickory Grove High School, Mr. Martin completed studies with the Life Underwriting Training Council in Personal Insurance and Counselor Selling Seminars. In addition to his work as a Nationwide agent, he worked full and part-time with various businesses, including the US Post Office in Blacksburg, Rock Hill Printing and Finishing, and Gordon’s Mortuary. He and his wife owned and operated Seven Acres Florist in Blacksburg for many years. He served on the Bank of Gaffney Board of Trustees. He was a past president and longtime member of the Blacksburg Rotary Club. He was a Worshipful Master of Buffalo Lodge # 202 A.F.M and served there in many capacities throughout over 50 years of membership. He strived to make Blacksburg a stronger business community.

He served as a deacon and chairman of deacons at Broad River Baptist Church in Smyrna and First Baptist Church in Blacksburg. He had a servant’s heart and truly enjoyed heading the shut-in video ministry at Hopewell Baptist for many years.

Mr. Martin was a loyal Clemson Tiger fan and faithful season ticket holder and IPTAY donor for 30 years. He loved his Tigers and the Atlanta Braves baseball team. He was an avid photographer and loved sharing photos with family and friends. He had a gift for playing the piano.

Celebration of Life services will be held Friday, April 6, 2018, at 3:00 PM at Hopewell Baptist Church in Blacksburg. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00-2:30 PM prior to the service. Interment will be at Broad River Baptist Church, Smyrna, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 511 Old Chester Road, Blacksburg, South Carolina. The family is at the home.

Book of Memories is available at www.gordonmortuary.com.

The Blacksburg location of Gordon Mortuary is serving the family.