Tony Linwood Martin, Sr., of Lasker, NC passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, surrounded by family. He is safely home with his Lord and Savior. Breathing freely now, healed, and new again! Tony was a native of Northampton County, born October 17, 1939, in Creeksville, NC to Glaston Elwood Martin & Margaret Grant Martin.

He loved his family and his Northampton County roots. He graduated from Rich Square High School in 1957 and is a graduate from Halifax Community College with a degree in Business Administration.

On a very snowy day, January 8, 1959, he left Rich Square, NC for basic training in San Diego, CA.  Tony served 4 years in the United States Navy.  He spent much of his time serving while stationed in Japan aboard the USS Twining and

worked as a Yeoman. His last two years he served aboard the USS Dixie AD14 and worked in the repair office as a Yeomen.

After returning to North Carolina, Tony started his career selling Insurance with Jefferson Standard, then later worked for Moore's Building Supply for 33 + years. Tony never met a stranger; he had the gift of gab for sure. He once received a trophy as the friendliest man in town. He was an avid reader, loved history and God!

Tony was a member of Enterprise Baptist Church in Littleton, NC and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Widow's Son 519 Lodge and he served as a past master; a member of Royal Heart 497 lodge; a member of the Scottish Rite and he was also a Shriner for over 30 years.  While a member of Gaston Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir and was a Sunday school teacher.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Willis "Will" Aaron Grant and Linnie Bristow Grant; paternal grandparents, Thomas Elwood Martin and Martha Edwards Martin; and his wife of 57 years, Bennine Vann Martin.

He is survived by his children, Tony L. Martin Jr., wife Betty Mason of Occoneechee Neck-Jackson, NC, and Jeanine Martin Goodwin, husband Rob of Cary, NC; his 5 grandchildren, William Martin (Paige) of Occoneechee Neck - Jackson, NC, Mason Martin (Emily) of Conway, NC, Margaret Martin (Vince) of Raleigh, NC, Robert Goodwin (Halie) of Littleton and Grant Goodwin of Cary, NC; his brother, Larry Martin, wife Cathy of Conway, sister, Joan Leon of Charleston, SC, brother, Dr. Willis Martin, wife Myra of Red Oak and brother-in-law, Thurston Vann, wife Cindy of Brink, VA and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at Cedarwood Cemetery on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Chris Snead officiating.

The family will receive friends after the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tony to Pine Forest Rest Home, P.O. Box 67, Highway 35 Potecasi, NC, 27867.

A special thank you to Jenny Baker for her patience, care, and love she showed Daddy.  Also, to the VA Hospital in Durham, NC, Pine Forest Rest Home and Liberty Hospice for the care and compassion.  Also, a special thank you for all the cards, visits and phone calls over the last 2 ½ years.