Harry Aubrey Martin

Harry Aubrey Martin, legendary economic development leader and local philanthropist, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 30, 2022 at North Miss. Medical Center in Tupelo. He was 97 1/2 year old. A native of Quitman County, Ms., Harry was born on a farm July 20, 1925, the sixth of 9 children of the late Ed Martin and Bessie R. Flemings Martin. Harry graduated from Quitman High School in l942. He attended Mississippi State University from l942-1943, at which time he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force serving his country during WW II. He returned to MSU graduating in 1948 with a BS in Agricultural Administration. Always industrious, Harry worked his way through MSU in Dean E. B. Colmer's office. He married Clarke County native, Agnes Louisa Norris on July 30, l948. She died May 11, 2015 2014. Harry was a natural leader, a visionary and seemed to understand the rhythm of life from an early age. On Oct. 1, l948, he and Agnes moved to Tupelo to be an assistant County Agent specializing in 4-H Club work. Harry excelled in organizing and promoting leadership among 4-Her's, winning state and national awards. In May, 1956, Harry was chosen as Secretary-Manager of the Community Development Foundation, where he served 44 years. His record of success as an economic developer not only is evident in present day Tupelo, he received numerous accolades, recognitions and meritorious awards regionally, statewide and nationally. He was instrumental in locating more than 100 plants and expansions as well as the development of 5 industrial parks in Lee County, one of which bears Harry's name. The National Business Alliance and the U.S. Housing and Urban Development selected CDF's Lee County service area as being one of the ten best examples of public/private partnership in the USA. The Ford Foundation equally recognized CDF. Harry had the ability to focus on 'hands-on" projects, using diverse skill sets and talents and always coated them with "community ownership." Harry was instrumental in starting the RCDC movement in the l950's which bridged the gaps between rural and urban people and became a national model. His other selfless services to Tupelo-Lee County , the State of Mississippi and the rest of the country will be his legacies of leadership, stamina and accomplishments. Harry was a Civitan, was Tupelo's Outstanding Man in l959, a leader in the l987 AHEAD program that brought 4 lane highways to Mississippi, esp. NE Miss. He was a charter member and secretary/treasurer of the Tupelo Furniture Marketing Association. Harry was a committed and beloved faithful member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo where he held many offices. He was a Master Mason. After retirement, Harry joined in daughter, Janet, in establishing Martin Realty Company. In 2018, he finished writing and published his autobiography, Harry Martin and the Community Development Foundation story, a definitive work on local history and economic development. Harry enjoyed reading, hiking in the woods, gardening, collecting antiques and traveling.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, January 4, 2022 from the Sanctuary of Calvary Baptist Church with his pastor, Dr. John Boler, officiating. Mark Ledbetter will deliver the eulogy. A graveside committal service will be held at 4 PM Wednesday at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quitman, where he will be buried beside his beloved wife, Agnes. Visitation will be from 4PM-6 PM today, Jan. 3, 2022 at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo and 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday at Calvary Baptist Church.

Harry is survived by his daughter, Janet Martin of Tupelo; his nieces and nephews and their families and a host of friends, respecters of his purpose filled life and his economic development family all about the State of Mississippi and nationwide.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1008, Tupelo, MS. 38802. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net