THOMAS CHARLES MARTIN
Oct. 25, 1954-Nov. 3, 2011
MOUNT OLIVE -- Thomas Charles Martin was born Oct. 25, 1954, to the late Edgar Tommy Martin and Ardelia Pearson Martin.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edgar Glenwood Martin.
Charles' journey through life ended Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, at his family farm in Mount Olive.
Charles was dedicated to Christ as a young child at Mount Carmel AME Zion church in the Grantham community.
Charles attended school in Wayne County, and graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1973.
After graduation, Charles worked on the family farm with his mother, father and brothers for many years.
Charles later became employed with Georgia Pacific, where he faithfully served for 25 years.
Charles was a member of Twin Rivers Small Farmers Cooperative and the North Carolina Cattleman's Association, and worked closely with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Oct. 28, 1978, Charles was united in holy matrimony to his greatest love, Geraldine Bizzell of Seven Springs. People always knew that if you saw one, you were likely to see the other. In this union two children were born, Damita Nicole Bizzell-Callahan and Thomas Charles Martin II.
Charles was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather.
Charles loved farming, reading, fishing and sharing his love for cooking with his family, neighbors and friends. Charles had a gift for getting people together. If he had it, it was yours to share, use or borrow. He would always say, "Just bring it back when you're done."
Charles was known for sharing something from his garden, lending you some of his farm equipment, dropping by with kind words, a bright smile and leaving you with a "mess of fish."
Whether you know him as Thomas, Charles, Charlie or Uncle Charles, he loved and cherished his family and the Grantham community.
He leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories with his wife of 33 years, Geraldine Bizzell Martin of the home; a daughter, Damita Nicole Bizzell-Callahan of Hinesville, Ga.; a son, Thomas Charles Martin II "T.C." of Jacksonville, Fla.; a brother, Timothy Aaron Martin (Carrie) of Raleigh; a grandson, Tayvon Samir Callahan (Tater) of Hinesville, Ga.; a host of nieces, nephews and relatives; his fishing buddies, Robert Wayne Martin, cousin, Gary Pigford, Wayne "Bubba" Williams and Kent Royal.
Preceding him in death were his lifelong friends, Erthel Lofton and Jackie Broadie.
A visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m. at E.M. Matthews Funeral Home.
A service of remembrance will be held Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at 1 p.m. at New Spirit Church Ministries, 1501 N. William St., Goldsboro. Following the services in the sanctuary, Mr. Martin's delicate temple, along with his adored family, will be escorted to Martin Family Cemetery in Mount Olive.
Mr. Martin's earthen vessel is peacefully resting at E.M. Matthews Funeral Home, where the Martin and connected families are receiving prestigious service.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 9, 2011 1:49 PM