Funeral service for Mr. Samuel Martin will be 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from Old Community Baptist Church - Webster Groves, MO  63119 with the Reverend Eric Hayes, officiating Pastor.  Interment – Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery – St Louis, MO  63125. (Services entrusted to Granberry Mortuary - https://www.granberrymortuarystl.com )

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On a beautiful day, August 21, 1925, Samuel Martin was the third child born in Aberdeen, Mississippi to the late Ellis and Perkie Martin. Samuel accepted Christ at an early age in Aberdeen. He attended the public schools in Aberdeen.

Samuel enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18.

Samuel Martin was very proud to serve in the United States Army. He was a Medic in World War II. He was enlisted for 8 years.  He received the Occupational Medal in Germany and a Good Conduct Medal. Samuel spoke frequently about his experience of serving in the Army. If you had time to listen he would engage you in detailed conversations regarding his assignment as a medic and his tours of duty overseas.  He often spoke about serving alongside prominent dignitaries, he served with Senator Bob Dole.  After Samuel's tenure with the United States Army he settled in St. Louis, MO.

Samuel made St. Louis, MO his home for over 53 years.  In 1967 he married the love of his life Shirley Pope, she preceded him in death in 2001. The Lord saw fit to entrust them with one son Christopher.  One of the greatest joys of Samuel and Shirley's life was to become grandparents to their grandson Alex.

Samuel was a faithful member of Old Community Baptist Church in Webster Groves, MO where he served as church custodian. He remained active in Old Community Baptist Church working on all the church annual days.

Samuel was employed with American Foundry, Inc. where he constructed and assembled train Bogies or better known as train wheels. His tenure with American Foundry spanned thirty years. After his retirement he remained active performing duties in the church and working part time with a local grocery store. Samuel's retirement was also spent assisting his wife Shirley as a home daycare provider to many young children in the Webster Groves and Rock Hill, MO community.

After many years of living in St. Louis, MO, in 2006 Samuel relocated to Huntsville, AL, to live closer to family, he adjusted very nicely to his new home in Huntsville, AL. He made many new friends he enjoyed eating out at restaurants that served southern cuisine, fried chicken, meatloaf and peach cobbler were his favorites, he loved sharing his war stories. He joined the First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL. and he loved attending when he was physically able. Samuel loved traveling back to St. Louis to visit his family and friends. He last traveled to St. Louis for his 90 ^th birthday celebration.

After moving to Huntsville, AL he was selected to attend Honor Flight, a program honoring military veterans who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  Veterans were flown to Washington, DC to tour the war memorials that were built in their honor. Samuel was proud to be a part of Honor Flight. The Huntsville Times highlighted Samuel's wartime story as a result of him being an Honor Flight recipient.

His passing marked the end of what was a long and wonderful life, but we can rejoice knowing that he is free of pain in his eternal life. We will miss his pleasant demeanor, cheerful personality and his favorite phrases.

"If it ain't broken, don't fix it "

"Let me bless your bankroll"

"God takes care of babies and fools…I ain't no fool"

"God is good all the time"

"Standing Tall"

On July 14, 2021, Samuel Martin left this world for his heavenly home. His beautiful memories are left to his son Christopher Martin, his grandson Alex Martin Hall, sister-in-law Wanda Pharris, his nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other family and friends.

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Funeral service for Mr. Samuel Martin will be Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.  Visitation will precede the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  Interment will be in Saint Louis, MO.