Dr. Joe Godwin Martin

1926 - 2014

Dr. Martin was born on July 29, 1926 to Joe and Joe Ella Godwin Martin in Ripley, Mississippi. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Philippines. Dr. Joe graduated as Valedictorian of Ripley High School Class of 1943. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1949 with a degree in Animal Husbandry and from

Auburn University in 1953 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He served as Treasurer of the Baptist Student Union at both MSU and Auburn University. He taught Agriculture at Chalybeate and Pine Grove Schools. He opened his practice in Ripley and for many years he was the only Veterinarian in three counties, Tippah, Benton, and Marshall.

Dr Joe was a member and past president of the Mississippi Veterinary Medicine Association and a lifelong member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

He donated "Bully 16" the 16th bulldog to Mississippi State University and now this is the "Bully" that is featured on all current posters and pictures.

He was a very active and faithful member of First

Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for over 45 years.

Services will be Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 11:30 A.M. at First Baptist in Ripley, MS with Dr. David Shackelford and Dr. Patrick Chapman officiating. Burial will be in Tippah Memorial Garden.

McBride Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Martin is survived by one son, Dr. Joe Hines Martin, Chattanooga, TN; three daughters, Millie

Renfroe (Steve), Brandon, MS; Melanie Hickman (Steve), Tupelo, MS; Leslie Walter (Tommy), Ripley, MS; nine grandchildren, Scarlett Nicely, Chattanooga, TN; Allison Callahan, Huntsville, AL; Ashleigh Hannah, Brandon, MS; Chase Renfroe, Brandon, MS; Martin Hickman (Cass), Nashville, TN; Cody Hickman (Amy), Tupelo, MS; James, Sarah, and John Thomas Walter, Ripley, MS; two great-grandchildren, Saffley and Oliver Hickman.

He was preceded in death by his wife,Edith Christine Hines Martin; his parents; one brother, Howard Martin and one sister, Mildred Martin.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers Charles Brown, J.P. Shackelford and the members of the Men's Faith Sunday School Class Adult IV of First Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 8, 2014 from 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday, July 9 from 7:00 AM until 8:30 AM at McBride Funeral Home and Wednesday, July 9 from 10:00 A.M. until service time at First Baptist Church.

to view and sign online guestbook, visit www.mcbridefuneralhome.com