John Richard Martin

John Richard (Dick) Martin passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, after a long illness. 

He was born on June 27th, 1950, to Henry Harold Martin and Helen Hatcher Martin in Charlotte, NC. 

He graduated from Garinger High School in 1968, was a true Wildcat and loved helping with and attending reunions.  

Everyone who knew Dick also knew that he attended UNC Chapel Hill, graduating in1972. Throughout his life Dick remained a diehard Tar HEEL fan. 

An important memory for Dick was journeying to Chapel Hill in 2005 to watch theTar Heels defeat Illinois in the NCAA Championship with his niece Amy and his nephew Josh. They celebrated with a huge crowd in the streets of Chapel Hill, a memory all three of them have photographs of and they all treasure.

Dick is survived by his brother Henry Hatcher (Joe) Martin (Pat), his sister Anne Elizabeth (Betsy) Coman, niece Amy Virginia Martin- Arnold (Greg Arnold), grand nieces Helen, Sarah and Lucy, and nephew Joshua Hatcher Martin (Katie), his forever friend Tim Gilland and his cats Magic and Munchkin.

Dick was a faithful member of Carmel Presbyterian Church where he had lifelong friends. He directed the Crop Walk for 41 years and was very active on numerous boards and committees. In addition Dick volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank. 

Dear to his heart were the Cooke and McKinnon children he mentored into adulthood and the relationships he maintained with them. 

He also treasured his dear Nolley Court neighbors. His family appreciates their support of him throughout his years and in his illness. 

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Friday, May 20th at 1:30 at Carmel Presbyterian Church with a visitation to follow in the Fellowship Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Carmel Presbyterian Church. 

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