Ben’s Obituary “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” 2nd Timothy 4:7 Mr. Ben Oliver Martin, Sr., a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather passed on to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 20, 2019. Mr. Martin was born June 28, 1936 in Yadkin County. He was a true “Gentle Ben” in every respect, always a friend to all.
Ben graduated from Courtney High School in 1954. He received the Citizenship Award voted on by the faculty. Ben sang in the Yadkin County Glee Club directed by Mrs. Carmen Richardson who became Ben’s voice instructor for several years.
Mrs. Richardson also played the piano for Ben to sing at his own wedding. While in high school, Ben formed a county and western band with several of his classmates. He later went to Nashville and recorded some records, getting to know some of the all-time greats.
After high school Ben was employed at Western Electric for several years. During this time, at a Courtney vs Boonville basketball game on January 4, 1957, Ben met the love of his life, Shelby, and married her 6 months later on July 14, 1957. The have shared many wonderful years together.
Ben always had a desire to become a traveling salesman. In 1964 Ben and Shelby moved to Cary, NC and Ben’s dream came true. He became a sales rep in the wholesale floor covering business.
His bright smile, beautiful red hair, and pleasant personality won the hearts of his customers and also won him the title “Salesman of the Year” many times. Ben retired in February 2008 after being on the road again for 44 years. He was a member of Cary First Baptist Church where he served for many years as a deacon, choir member, and a Sunday school teacher.
Ben was a previous member of his home church, Courtney Baptist Church, where he served as a choir director, deacon, stewardship committee chairman, Sunday school teacher, and was instrumental in drawing the plans for the first addition to the church. Ben thoroughly enjoyed the days of his youth spent with friends at this church. Ben’s soft velvet voice was heard at many weddings, funerals, and church services.
At his own wedding, he sang “Walk Hand in Hand” and he and Shelby did just that for 61 ½ years, and traveled to many parts of the world. The proudest day of Ben’s life was July 26, 1969, when his son, Ben Martin Jr. was born after 12 long years, and then again 24 years later when Ben Martin III was born. They were the pride and joy in his life.
Ben is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shelby Riggin Martin; son, Ben “Marty” Martin, Jr., and wife, Cheyenne; grandson, Ben “Benny” Martin III. Also his adopted family, Ray and Seng Sayabouth, and their children, Laura and Thomas. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 PM Wednesday at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville.
His funeral service will follow the visitation at 1:00 PM in the Gentry Family Chapel by Rev. Jimmy Martin. Interment will follow at Charity Baptist Church cemetery in Boonville, NC.
The family requests that donations be made in Ben’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern NC, 400 Oberlin Road Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27606. Online condolences may be made at www. gentryfuneralservice.com.
Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Martin family.
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