Mr. Anthony Royal Martin passed on Saturday, July 11,2020 at UNC Rockingham Health in Eden, NC. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Public viewing on Wednesday from 1-7:00 P.M. at McLaurin Funeral Home.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are practicing social distancing, and Masks and Sanitizing are required. You may connect to the Virtual Services via teleconference call by dialing (701) 802-5263 and then access code 6545855#

Born on July 18, 1969 to Viola Barnett Martin and the late John R. Martin, Anthony Royal Martin departed this life on July 12, 2020.

"Tony", as he was affectionately called, was a life-long member of Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church.  He was educated in the public schools of Rockingham County and graduated from Rockingham County High School in the class of 1987.  He further matriculated at North Carolina A. & T. State University and had much "Aggie Pride."

Previously employed at Wendover Funding Financial Services, he was presently employed at A.T. & T. for many years.

Tony loved his family very much, as shown in the way that he changed his residence, moving in with his mother in order to care for her.  His late father nick-named him "Young Fella", as he was so full of spirit as the baby of the family.  Fun-loving and lover of life were obvious qualities that he possessed, as the on-line posts from his many friends can attest.  His hobbies included collecting remote-controlled toys, pictorial automobile shows, listening to music (especially "Prince") and dancing.  He also enjoyed laughing and bringing joy to make others laugh.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by:  sister, Pretinia M. Martin; paternal grandparents, Herman and Mamie Martin; and maternal grandparents, Robert Earl Barnett, Sr. and Fannie Bell Cooper-Barnett.

He leaves to cherish precious memories:  his loving mother, Viola L. Martin, of the home; aunts, Elizabeth Martin, of Ruffin, NC, Nancy Moyer (Thomas, Sr.), Mattie Moyer, and Faye Wilson, all of Reidsville, NC; uncles, Marvin Martin (Joan), of Washington, DC, Robert Barnett (Shirlene), of Eden, NC, Payton Barnett and Samuel Barnett, both of Reidsville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

McLaurin Funeral Home is serving the family.