Martin was the youngest of twelve children. He was a World War II US Army Veteran. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He worked for Home Beneficial Life Insurance, Skyland Life, and retired from Lincoln National Life Insurance Company after 25 years of service. He volunteered at the Vantage Golf Championship and Forsyth Medical Center. He was survived by his wife of 30 years, two daughters, four grandchildren, and two great grandsons.