John R. Martin was born in Rockingham County on December 11, 1929. He was the fifth child out of seven children born to William Herman and Mamie Broadnax Martin. John was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School.

During John's teenage years, he assisted his father working on the family farm and also became the manager of the family's dairy farm. He could name a cow by the color or the spots they had on them.
John was extremely smart in mathematics and an exceptional artist. Though he did not pursue careers in either of those talents, he was also a great cook which led him to become an executive chef at Holiday Inn in Reidsville, NC. He also worked in the textile industries at Fieldcrest Mills and Anaconda. During his retirement period John worked as a custodian at First Presbyterian Church in Eden, NC and later at the Department of Transportation.

John also known as "Mincey" to his brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and close friends, was one whom you would always see smiling and laughing no matter what. He would always get you to smile. He also loved western movies and court TV shows.
When he was a teenager, he joined Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church where he was a devoted member and sang in the Junior Choir. He was also one of the original members of the Male Choirs, even though he could not hold a tune, he would be loudly singing those notes as he sung.

As John's health began to deteriorate, he received help and assistance at the Brian Center in Eden, NC, where he departed this life on January 17, 2016.
John was preceded in death by brothers, Herman Edwin, Jesse Conray, James Nash Martin sisters Ella Rean Mills and Kathrine Salone Martin.

He is survived by his wife Viola Lee Martin, Children: Pretrinia Marlene Martin, Atlanta, Ga and Anthony Royal Martin, Kernersville, NC; Brother Marvin Roosevelt Martin (Joan), Washington D.C. and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 12:00 noon at Bluestone Baptist Church. The visitation will be 11:30 a.m.- 12:00 noon prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Public viewing will be Friday, January 29, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home.
McLaurin Funeral Home is serving the family.