John Calvin Martin

The funeral for John Calvin Martin, 96, of Athens will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Northside Church of Christ with John Martin and Bud White officiating. Burial will be at Athens City Cemetery. Visitation is from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Northside Church of Christ. He died Sunday, May 10, 2020, at home. Mr. Martin was born September 18, 1923, in Limestone County, to John Henry Martin and Verna Julia Moore. He was a faithful member of Northside Church of Christ for 55+ years and served as both a Deacon and then Elder for many years. Mr. Martin was a decorated WWII Veteran receiving a Purple Heart in addition to many other medals during his service during WWII. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, later the U.S. Air Force from January 1942 to September 1953, flying numerous missions as a tail gunner flying on B-17’s and B-24’s during his WWII service. He enjoyed all sports especially baseball, football and golf. He played Minor League Baseball from 1941 to 1942 prior to enlisting to serve his country. He was nicknamed “Curly” by his baseball teammates and this nickname remained with him through his life. He played baseball for the Nashville VOLS, who were a farm club for the Cincinnati Reds and was then traded to the Louisiana Lake Charles team in the Evangeline League; they were a farm club for the Chicago Cubs. He left his baseball career to enlist to serve his country. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to everyone who knew him. Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Edith Irene Martin, a son, Gregory Calvin Martin; a brother, W.M. Martin; and two sisters, Catherine Board and Gelene McGrew. Mr. Martin is survived by son, John Stephen Martin and wife Cynthia of Athens; daughter, Cathy Greenhaw and husband Gerry of Elkmont; grandchildren, Brandon Martin and wife Amanda of Athens, Kayla Lambert and husband Jonathan of Athens, and Kristi Webster and husband Chris of Elkmont; great-grandchild Kandyce Rogers, Grant Webster, and Waylon Lambert; brother, James Martin and wife Polly of Brentwood, TN, Special Family Friend, Chris Ross, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers will be Brandon Martin, Chris Webster, Jonathan Lambert, Chris Ross, Keith Rahm, and Jeff Wales. Honorary Pallbearer is Sonny Morrell.

John Calvin Martin

September 18, 1923 - May 10, 2020