Ralph Frederick Martin

Ralph Frederick Martin, 78, of Smiths Station, AL, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at his home.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm EST, on Friday, April 29, 2016, at Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 pm EST at Vance Memorial Chapel.

Mr. Martin was born on April 11, 1938, in Cusseta, GA, the son of the late Bruce Pinkey Martin, Sr. and Wilma Orena Dunaway Martin. He loved his family, NASCAR, old cars and SEC football. Ralph did paint and body work for 51 years and started the “California custom paint” look in this area in the late 60’s.

Other than his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Thelma Huckaby, brothers, AA “Nig” Martin and Bruce P. Martin, Jr., son, Freddie Martin and a great grandson, Andrew Carter Martin.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Martin; two sons, Matthew R. Martin and Bennie E. Martin, wife Melissa; daughter in-law, Lisa Martin; sister, Becky Elizabeth Gregg; brother, Roy E. Martin; 3 sister in-laws, Patsy Martin, Betty Hamilton, husband Jim and Virginia Martin; grandchildren, Shelby R. Martin (Lissa), Dana S. Martin, Jessica Nicole Bronk (William Alday), Furman L. Redd and William Blake Redd; great grandchildren, Ledia Marie Martin and Lukas Ryan Martin; nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Online condolences may be made at vancememorialchapel.net