Dr. Randolph Charles Martin

COLUMBIA - Funeral service for Randolph C. Martin will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2013 at St. Peter's Catholic Church, with burial in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Cemetery, Chapin with a reception to follow at the church in the Family Life Center. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo. Randy, as he was known to his family and friends, died Monday, July 22, 2013. He was born in The Dalles, Oregon on January 12, 1944, the son of the late Robert V. and Julia Mae Walters Martin. Randy grew up working in his family's cherry orchards. For the rest of his life, he applied the work ethic he learned there. Randy graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon with a BS in Economics, and received a PhD in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. While studying in St. Louis, he not only found a career, he found the love of his life, Linda Ferguson. They were married, and subsequently moved to Columbia, where Randy joined the Economics Department of the College of Business of the University of South Carolina. With this move, he became a Gamecock for the rest of his life. He served at USC until his retirement in 2008 as Distinguished Professor Emeritus. During his tenure, he earned the respect and friendship of his colleagues by taking on a wide variety of administrative and academic duties, including Director of Research and Associate Dean. His academic research on regional economic development was published in leading journals. As a classroom teacher, Randy excelled. He encouraged active student participation and discussion, and he continued teaching after his official retirement, reflecting his enthusiasm for economics and teaching. Randy enjoyed going to all USC sports events with his son and best friend Robbie. He often said that the day Robbie was born was the best day of his life. His favorite sport was South Carolina football and his last South Carolina game was a 31-28 Carolina win over Michigan. Randy is survived by his wife, Linda; his son, Robbie; his sister-in-law, Judy Thom (Chuck); his brother-in-law, Joe Ferguson (Debbie) and numerous treasured nieces, nephews, and their children. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Building Fund, PO Box 549, Chapin SC 29036 or the USC Moore School Business Partnership Foundation, 1705 College Street, Columbia SC 29208. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.