Benjamin Joseph Martin Sr.

Benjamin Joseph Martin, Sr., 89, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2015. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ben was born to Thomas Wingfield Martin, Sr., and Rosa Ann Martin in Abbeville, S.C. He is survived by his wife, Lucy Smith Martin, son Dr. Benjamin Martin, Jr., and wife Diane, daughters Dr. Mary Anne Martin-Howell and husband Robert (Bob), Marsha Martin Wilkinson and husband David, Fran Sondergaard and husband Jason, and Amy Evans and husband Dennis. Ben was grandfather to five grandchildren, Amanda Mangus and husband Todd, Chris Martin and wife Melinda, David Martin Wilkinson, Troy Wilkinson, and Benjamin Howell. He was great-grandfather to Taylor and Logan Mangus. He is also survived by his two sisters, Frances Thomas of North Augusta, S.C. and Mary Louise Lauricella of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and their families. Ben was graduated from Abbeville High School in 1944. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the 3rd Army, 11th Armored Division in Europe for 23 months. Ben fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate three concentration camps. He was wounded twice, receiving purple hearts and a cluster. After World War II, Ben studied at Erskine College in Due West, S. C. He was graduated in 1949 with AB and BS degrees in physical education, mathematics, and science. In 1949, Ben moved to North Carolina and began teaching and coaching at Gray's Creek School, where he served for 17 years. Ben taught eighth grade and later high school mathematics. He developed the first programmed math curriculum to be used in N.C. schools. Ben also taught driver's education. He taught mathematics in the summer at Pembroke State University. Ben coached championship teams in boys' basketball, girls' basketball, and baseball. His 1965 state championship boys' basketball team was nicknamed "Martin's Midgets." Ben also coached American Legion teams. After coaching, he served as a high school basketball official for over 20 years. In 1963, Ben earned a Master's Degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. He also earned an Education Specialization Degree in 1978 from East Carolina University. In 1966, Ben opened Reilly Road Elementary School as its first principal. He served as principal there for 17 years. When Ben retired on July 1, 1983, the school was renamed Benjamin Martin Elementary School in his honor. Ben was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Green Springs Baptist Church in Parkton, N. C. He taught Sunday school and served on the board of deacons and on various committees in the church throughout the years. Ben was a well-respected leader and an inspiration. He was a mentor to his family, students, athletes, and many throughout the community. He was very active and generous within the Gray's Creek community. Ben had a great influence on the lives of many. Ben served on the Gray's Creek Fire Department board of directors, Station 18, from 1992 until 2013. He was inducted into the Fayetteville Sports Club Hall of Fame on February 11, 2013. Ben was recognized as an outstanding coach and educator. Ben enjoyed fishing in the fall at Oak Island, N.C. He loved working in his vineyard and garden. Ben enjoyed baking delicious grape and chocolate pecan pies. "Da" liked to cook "Shoney's breakfast" for his family. Ben enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. The family would like to express their thanks for their many compassionate caregivers: Angela McLaughlin, Margaret Ross, Sherry Johnson, Tammy Joyal, Shirley Tisdale, and Lisa Moore. They would also like to thank their friends and church families for their visits, prayers, and support. The family will receive visitors at Ben and Lucy's home.