Martin Salter

Martin Austin Salter

1944-2013

Martin Austin Salter was born on March 20, 1944. He lived his entire life at a little place called Rabbit Hill near Chumuckla in Santa Rosa, Florida. That is where he passed away on September 26, 2013. He fought a good fight, but his body was just too frail. A true Southern Gentleman left his circle of earthly family and friends and joined a much bigger Heavenly circle. What a rejoicing that must have been when Martin looked upon the face of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

He graduated from Chumuckla School in 1963. Throughout his high school years, he was a star member of the basketball team. He loved his team mates. He went on to referee basketball games throughout the area for many years. It was at one of those games that he met a girl named Martha Ann Raines and fell in love with her at first site. They were wed on April 10, 1965. It was a happy marriage until Martha passed away on January 05, 2012. He was with her again on Thursday afternoon where she had the evening supper table waiting for him as she had promised.

Martin retired from American Cyanamid/Sterling. He formed many friendships during those many years of work.

Mr. Salter enjoyed being a cattleman. Nothing gave him more pleasure than buying a new calf or seeing one born on his farm. It was in his genes. His heritage stretched back to ancestors that were cattlemen in the panhandle of territorial Florida. The Lord gave Martin a vivid dream that he shared often. He dreamed that in Heaven he would have beautiful fields full of cattle. That delighted him.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a keen shot and loved fishing on the creeks and river. He and his brothers, Jackie and Danny, could catch fish when no one else could. Catfish was always on the menu at family reunions. Auburn was his team and he enjoyed watching the Tiger's football games. Martin had a gift for telling wonderful stories. Everyone that knew him can remember at least one of those amusing true tells about family, friends and local adventures.

Martin was a member of Pine Level Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He loved serving the Lord, sharing the message, and the Gospel was always on his lips. Throughout his life, Martin brought many souls to the Lord. His crown will be beautiful when he places it at His Father's feet and Jesus says, well done my good and faithful servant.

He is preceded in death by his wife Martha Ann Raines Salter; his mother and father, John Duncan "J. D." & Ruth Wynell Hayes Salter; his brothers, Danny and baby John Salter; his grandparents, Sidney Martin & Ruth Williams Hayes, and Cuyler & Emma McGlothren Salter.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted daughter, Angela and her husband Michael Pennell; his grandchildren, Bradley (Candace) Pennell, Katie (James) Carnley; five great grandchildren Bryce, Faith, Jacob, Elizabeth, and Gabriel; his brother, Jackie (Jane) Salter; aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Post and Jazzman, his four-legged friends, will miss their master.

Special thanks to Dr. David Smith, Dr. Rogers, Dr. Humeda and their staffs for their kind attendance to Martin throughout his illness. Also a big thank you to Fresenius Medical and Amedisys for their loving kindness and care.

Martin would probably want to remind us of this comforting scripture: "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Arrangements will be held at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, FL. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct.1st, from 6-8 P.M. Funeral will be Wednesday, Oct.2nd, at 2 P.M. Burial service will follow immediately afterwards at Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery.

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