Obituary of W.R. ‘Sonny’ Martin

Services for W.R. 'Sonny' Martin, 72, Concord are scheduled for 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 13 at the Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church, near Troup, with the Reverends Jason Taylor, Duane Dougherty and Steven Oakes officiating. Burial will be in the Concord Cemetery under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home, Troup. Mr. Martin passed away Sunday, June 10, 2012. He was born August 20, 1939, the middle son of the late Garland B. and Laura Gentry Martin in the Concord Community. He was a lifetime resident of the Concord Community and was also a lifetime member of the Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Sonny spent the majority of his life's career as the Owner/Operator of a professional long haul trucking operation. Over the years, he hauled cattle and produce and almost everything else in between, from coast to coast. Most recently, he operated Sonny Martin Trucking and was contracted to Unimin Corporation. He also worked various times as a pipe fitter for Gregg Insulators, Brown and Root, and in the oilfield with Burris Drilling. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Pepa and Great-grandfather. He was known for his strong work ethic and his devotion to his family and friends and his willingness to always help. On November 7, 1957, Sonny married the love of his life, Carla Jean Jarnagin in Floydada, Texas, living and working there until 1962, when he returned to East Texas to reside for the rest of his life. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by two brothers, J.W. Martin and Clarence Martin. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jean Martin of Concord; a daughter and son-in-law , Debbie and Dusty Vela of Jacksonville; two sons and daughters-in-law, James Ray and Becky Martin of Nacogdoches and Jody and Tina Martin of Troup; grandsons, Justin Fowler and wife Kristy, Jordan Vela, Johnathan Martin, Jacob Vela, Jaramie Martin; granddaughters, Jeri Deibel and Angel Smith; a great-granddaughter, Kaylee Fowler; and numerous cousins and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Justin Fowler, Jordan Vela, Jacob Vela, Johnathan Martin, Jaramie Martin and Jason Martin. Honorary Pallbearers will be will be Billy Joe Hamilton, Eudell 'Cotton' Hamilton, A.L. 'Shorty' Bayless, David Waggoner, Co-workers of Unimin Corporation and friends of the Concord Community. The Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, June 12.