Bro. Raymond A. Martin

Bro. Raymond A. Martin age 97 of Columbia, Kentucky passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at his home. Bro. Martin was born on October 16, 1923 in the Glendale Community of Hardin County, KY to the late Fred and Irene Dunagan Martin. He was a U.S. Navy veteran having served during World War II. After returning home from war he attended Johnson Bible College where he graduated in 1952. After graduation he served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky, later finding a home at Columbia Christian Church where he served as minister for twenty years. After the conclusion of his service at Columbia Christian Church he served many other Christian churches in the area filling in or serving part time and during this time also holding revivals and other meetings. His detailed records show he conducted 614 baptisms, 133 weddings, and 1,037 funerals. His Christian legacy will live on through the many lives that he has touched. In addition to his ministry Bro. Martin was an avid sports fan and was  a strong supporter of Adair County High School Athletics and Lindsey Wilson College Athletics.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Cofer Martin, his second wife, Martha Barnes Martin, one daughter, Becky Hamm, one grandson, Blake Burris Martin, two brothers, Fred Lewis Martin and Frank Martin, and one sister Norma Jean Perry.

Survivors Include:

One Daughter- Barbara Grasham and her husband Gene of Columbia, KY

Three Sons- Richard Martin and his wife Patty of Glasgow, KY,  Stephen Martin and his wife Ann and David Martin and his wife Cathy all of Columbia, KY

One Sister- Mary Jane Upton of Louisville, KY

Twelve Grandchildren, Twenty-Five Great Grandchildren, Four Great Great Grandchildren, along with Martha’s two children, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and Christian friends.

Funeral Service:

Friday, June 25, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. at Columbia Christian Church, 206 Campbellsville Street, Columbia, KY with burial at a later time in Haven Hill Cemetery. Family requests visitation on Friday, June 25th from 11 A.M. until time for the funeral service at 7 P.M. at Columbia Christian Church.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to the Bro. Raymond A. Martin and Jessie Martin endowment fund at Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements