Steve Martin

1950 - 2024

Our precious Husband, Daddy, Grandy, and Friend, Robert Stephen "Steve" Martin, Sr. passed from this life to his heavenly reward on May 11, 2024, surrounded by his wife Joy, and children JJ and Steve Jr. His peaceful transition was accompanied by hymns of praise and prayers of peace.

Steve Martin, Sr. was born on August 26, 1950, in Columbus, GA. He grew up in Phenix City, AL before moving to the farm in Pittsview where he was raised by a very special Aunt and Uncle. He became a member of the Eufaula Church of Christ and attended Eufaula High School, where he played trumpet in the marching band and graduated with the class of 1968. He was quite the character even in those days. Steve attended Auburn University and earned the nickname "Farmer" from his brothers in the Theta Xi fraternity. He graduated in 1972, earning his Golden Eagle pin in 2022. He married Joy E. Bateman of Eufaula, AL on October 20, 1973 and celebrated 50 years of marriage last fall. They lived for 26 years in Dothan, AL, attending the Westgate Church of Christ before relocating to Alabaster where they attended the Hoover Church of Christ.

Steve spent most of his career in either Sales or Customer Service, serving proudly for the last 19 years at The Armstrong Company - Birmingham. Other notable places of work were Coleman American, Woodman of the World, Rainbow Sales and Service, and Miller, Terra, and Riverside Chemicals.

Steve enjoyed supporting his Auburn Tigers and was present for many notable football games over the years; some with his family and some with his fraternity brothers. Lately, he and Joy supported UAB basketball and football, cheering the Blazers on to success. He loved barbecuing, entertaining, and visiting with family and friends. Inspired by his children, he performed on stage multiple times at The Basketcase, The Understudy, and SEACT in Dothan.

Steve was an incredible storyteller with an amazing smile and an infectious laugh. He could always be counted on to be the center of the crowd. Steve never met a stranger and was always entertaining babies in grocery stores and restaurants. He loved God, loved his family, and loved all of his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joy B. Martin; daughter JJ (Brock) Halverson of Huntsville, AL; son Steve (Joy White) Martin Jr. of Loveland, CO; Grandchildren: Jolee, Kira, Jase, Lexi, Ellory, Parker, and Kellan; brothers Mike and Glen Martin, sister Debbie Paustian; and numerous beloved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Jacqueline Josephine Jackson, father Alvin Leon Martin, aunt Jennette Jackson "Sissy" Mott, uncle John Wayne Mott, grandmother Maggie Armstrong Jackson, grandfather Henry Grady Jackson, and sister Linda Joy Clark.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the Hoover Church of Christ (3248 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL, 35216) following the conclusion of the regular Sunday church service. A visitation will begin around 11:15am with Celebration service at Noon and BBQ lunch downstairs in the fellowship hall to follow.

The family invites you to join them for the Celebration and BBQ: please wear your Auburn colors and bring your favorite "Steve Story" to share.