Carlton Martin

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." - Matthew 25:40

Walter "Carlton" Martin, Jr. passed away peacefully and in the presence of his family on December 8, 2024, at the age of 83. He was a resident of Cleveland, Tennessee.

Carlton lived by the Bible verse which reminds us that whatever we do to "the least of these," we have done to Jesus. He was passionate about winning souls for Christ, and made blessing the least of these the main theme and goal of his life, ever-ready to help anyone who needed it, regardless of their circumstances. He also loved and dedicated large portions of his time to his grandkids, who would often spend whole days or multiple days with him as a favor to their parents. They will be the first to tell you what a positive influence he had on their lives. He was most known for his compassion for others, his exceptional work ethic, and bringing laughter to those around him with his extremely quick wit.

Born in Portland, Tennessee on July 17, 1941, Carlton was frequently moved from state to state as a child, living with various relatives after his parents' divorce when he was just two years old. These locations included various towns across Tennessee, as well as Mississippi, Illinois, Nevada, California, Georgia and Kentucky.

He graduated from Highland Academy after returning to Portland, Tennessee and then attended Southern Missionary College in Collegedale, Tennessee, where he also worked at McKee Foods, makers of Little Debbie snack cakes. It was at McKee that he met and married Kathie Henderson (also attending Southern Missionary College), with whom he had three children: Linda, Marylee and Carl.

After moving to Memphis, Tennessee and persuing various occupations, he ultimately returned to Collegedale and McKee Foods, where he spent the rest of his career, advancing in management to finally reach Plant Superintendent. He retired from McKee at 58, and spent the remainder of his days managing his investment rental property and fulfilling his passion for ministry with his many popular blogs online, as well as finally completing the manuscript for his biblical book about Earth's final days, soon to be published.

Carlton loved his family more than anything, and he and his wife of 30 years, Dot, enjoyed having family and friends over frequently, to enjoy their fellowship and Dot's amazing cooking. In addition to writing, Carlton loved tractors, and even purchased several older models to restore. He had a knack for working on cars and lawnmowers and was known as the guy who could fix anything. In every aspect of his life, whether father, husband, manager, writer, mechanic, landlord, grandpa or great-grandpa, Carlton always put God and His will first, seeking His blessing in all that he did. He blessed so many lives, was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.

Carlton was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Carlton Martin, Sr. and Velma Gertrude Albright; his sister Cecile Elaine Martin and brother Roland Earl Martin.

He is survived by his wife Dot Martin; his children Linda (Doug) Strawn, Marylee (Gary) Pope, and Carl (Coleen) Martin; his stepsons Ronnie (Dannette) Wright and Buddy Rice; his sister, Rita Hadley; his grandchildren Daltry (Stephanie) Martin, Darby Martin; stepgrandchildren Kelly Strawn, Connor Strawn, Elizabeth (Jim) Friese, Robbie Wright, Laura (Adam) Wright, Brian (Tylicia) Wright, Taft LaBlanc, Khandra (Jason) Tenorio; and his stepgreat-grandchildren Blake Friese, Cole Wright, Autumn Wright, Owen Wright, Tempy Wright

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Carlton's name, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105 or at stjude.org.

Memorial service will be at Companion Funeral Home in Cleveland, TN on December 13, 2024. Viewing, 2-4pm with the service starting at 4pm.