Homer Martin

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Obituary

Homer Martin was born on June 2, 1927 in Bordeaux, McCormick County, South Carolina, to the late Albert and Bessie (Parker) Martin.  The oldest of 16 children (13 boys and three girls), Homer recalled how about the age of nine he began helping his father work in the fields, tending to the crops, and contributing his hard-earned money to his parents to help provide for him and his younger siblings. It was here that Homer learned his strong work ethic, one that he would later pass down to his children and grandchildren. He continued working on the farm into his early adulthood, while learning the value of a dollar and earning one’s keep.

In 1952, Homer married the late Mary L. Harper, whom he had known since they were small children. They moved to Greenville, South Carolina where they lived and worked until they moved to Buffalo, New York in 1952. To this union were born 5 children; Reynard, Kenneth, Grady, DeWayne, and Almina (MiMi). A God-fearing man, Homer served as the perfect example of a husband, father, and provider. He retired from Republic Steel in South Buffalo New York, with over 30 years of faithful service. After his wife retired from her job at Buffalo General Hospital, in 1985 they moved back home to McCormick, South Carolina where he remained until her passing in 2017. Although retired, in the 1990s, Homer worked as a driver for the McCormick County Department of Social Services. When he was healthy and physically able, Homer was always on the move. Whether it was one of his siblings or other family members, church members, or friends, if someone needed help and there was something Homer could do, he would not hesitate to help, and would not expect anything in return. In fact, for several years, he volunteered his time with the Salvation Army around Christmastime, picking up toys from Greenwood and delivering them to children in McCormick. From January 2018 until his passing in January 2021 at the age of 93, Homer was living in Bedford Heights, Ohio, with his only daughter “MiMi” and her family, who lovingly cared for him, as had been shown to her for years by her mother, his beloved wife Mary.

Homer Martin, along with his wife Mary, was a member of Bethlehem Church of God Holiness. Under the pastorage of James C. Taylor, Sr., Homer was a very active member for over 25 years, until illness beset him. However, even then, he remained involved in many facets of the Church business and attended as often as he could. Homer was a member of the Deacon Board for over 25 years, and later was appointed to the Trustee and Finance Committees. He was also former President of the Usher Board at Bethlehem Church of God Holiness.

Homer was preceded in death by nine brothers, Robert Lee Martin, W.T. Martin, John Lester Martin, Milledge (Martha) Martin, Woodrow Martin, Leon (Beulah) Martin, Frank (Tosca) Martin, Edward (Lee) Martin, and Barnett (Thelma) Martin; one sister, Martha (Jerry) Weatherly; one son, Grady Martin, Sr.; and two grandsons, DeWayne Martin, Jr. and Joseph Martin.

Homer leaves to cherish his memory: three sons, Reynard Harper of McCormick, SC, Kenneth Martin, Sr. of Buffalo, NY, and DeWayne Martin, Sr. of Atlanta, GA; one daughter, Almina (Zebadee) Williams of Bedford Heights, OH; three brothers, Andrew Martin of Indianapolis, IN, Albert Douglas Martin of Oldsmar, FL, and Wallace (Lillian) Martin of Greenwood, SC; two sisters, Addie Scott of Cincinnati, OH and Georgette (Josh) Wiggleton of McCormick, SC; 18 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren,  and 8 great-great grandchildren; six sisters-in-law, Mildred (James) Dye and Martha Martin of McCormick, SC, Lee Martin of Greenville, SC, Bessie Martin, Beulah Martin and Tosca Martin all of Buffalo, NY; and one brother-in-law, Jerry Weatherly of Jacksonville, FL; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.

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