Larry L Martin
March 17, 1942 ~ May 7, 2020 (age 78) 78 Years Old
Tribute
In loving memory of Larry Litton Martin…
Larry was born in Nashville, TN, on March 17, 1942, the son of the late Paul Litton and Margaret Elizabeth Martin. He was the older brother of the late James “Jim” Edward Martin. Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Freida Jenkins Martin, lovely daughters Melinda Marie (Edd Caudill) and Leigh Anne (Ben Baker), and devoted grandchildren Mary Leigh Baker, Ellen Marie Caudill , Grant Thomas Caudill , Martin Benjamin Baker and Paul Bryant Caudill .
Larry and Freida met and fell in love in the 6th grade in Panama City, FL, and remained lifelong adventurers and best friends. Larry was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman all his life. He began working as a deckhand on the Panama City docks at the age of 10 and later took the wheel as a charter boat Captain, which he enjoyed through the summers of his high school and college years. Graduating from Bay High in 1960, he went on to earn a B.S. in Biology from David Lipscomb College (’64) and an M.S. in Wildlife Biology from Auburn University (’65). Beginning his career in Ocala, FL, as a Wildlife Biologist with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, he eventually served as the Northwest Regional Director in Lake City, FL, where he retired in 1997 with the rank of Colonel. Larry then returned to the water as a charter boat captain in Suwannee, FL, until he and Frito relocated to Panama City in 2013.
Larry took pride in his professional accomplishments, but even more pride in his family, church family and deep friendships. While his grandchildren lovingly called him “Pee Paw,” so, too, did countless other young children through the decades. He loved to hold babies, hug aging church ladies, introduce teenagers to the outdoors, and swap stories with salty old fishermen. He always had some “Martin Philosophy” to share with his family and the many young folks that he mentored. He served as an elder for many years at the Lake City church of Christ and enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes and serving others with his trademark grin and kind spirit. He was regularly the first person to arrive before services at the Jenks Avenue church of Christ so he could be sure to give out the maximum number of hugs possible. He treasured playing “31” with his beloved card buddies and boasted that he never lost a game. Walking out Matthew 6:33 daily, Larry loved so well his Lord, sweet bride, family, countless friends, and God’s beautiful creation.
Following a brief battle with cancer, Larry Litton Martin passed from this life on May 7, 2020, at age 78. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jenks Avenue church of Christ earmarked for the Lads to Leaders program.
A celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 P.M. Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Jenks Avenue Church of Christ in their activity building.
Larry was born in Nashville, TN, on March 17, 1942, the son of the late Paul Litton and Margaret Elizabeth Martin. He was the older brother of the late James “Jim” Edward Martin. Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Freida Jenkins Martin, lovely daughters Melinda Marie (Edd Caudill) and Leigh Anne (Ben Baker), and devoted grandchildren Mary Leigh Baker, Ellen Marie Caudill , Grant Thomas Caudill , Martin Benjamin Baker and Paul Bryant Caudill .
Larry and Freida met and fell in love in the 6th grade in Panama City, FL, and remained lifelong adventurers and best friends. Larry was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman all his life. He began working as a deckhand on the Panama City docks at the age of 10 and later took the wheel as a charter boat Captain, which he enjoyed through the summers of his high school and college years. Graduating from Bay High in 1960, he went on to earn a B.S. in Biology from David Lipscomb College (’64) and an M.S. in Wildlife Biology from Auburn University (’65). Beginning his career in Ocala, FL, as a Wildlife Biologist with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, he eventually served as the Northwest Regional Director in Lake City, FL, where he retired in 1997 with the rank of Colonel. Larry then returned to the water as a charter boat captain in Suwannee, FL, until he and Frito relocated to Panama City in 2013.
Larry took pride in his professional accomplishments, but even more pride in his family, church family and deep friendships. While his grandchildren lovingly called him “Pee Paw,” so, too, did countless other young children through the decades. He loved to hold babies, hug aging church ladies, introduce teenagers to the outdoors, and swap stories with salty old fishermen. He always had some “Martin Philosophy” to share with his family and the many young folks that he mentored. He served as an elder for many years at the Lake City church of Christ and enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes and serving others with his trademark grin and kind spirit. He was regularly the first person to arrive before services at the Jenks Avenue church of Christ so he could be sure to give out the maximum number of hugs possible. He treasured playing “31” with his beloved card buddies and boasted that he never lost a game. Walking out Matthew 6:33 daily, Larry loved so well his Lord, sweet bride, family, countless friends, and God’s beautiful creation.
Following a brief battle with cancer, Larry Litton Martin passed from this life on May 7, 2020, at age 78. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jenks Avenue church of Christ earmarked for the Lads to Leaders program.
A celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 P.M. Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Jenks Avenue Church of Christ in their activity building.
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