Glenn James "Pops" Martin

Glenn James Martin "Pops," 83, left for Heaven peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the home of his son, Glenn, and wife, Amy, where he had been living for five months after a brave battle with cancer. Up until the end, he maintained an attitude of gratefulness, kindness, grace, and compassion.

Glenn was born on May 22, 1942, in Isle Harbor, MN, to the late James and Anna Martin. He served honorably in the Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his service, he was stationed at the White House during the Kennedy assassination and also completed a combat tour in Vietnam. He ultimately retired from John Harland Check Co.

He was an avid cyclist, participating in the MS Ride to Myrtle Beach several times and riding to Chattanooga and Mississippi as well. He enjoyed model railroading, traveling, and reading his Bible daily. He loved going to lunch with his son Jimmy and spending time with his caregivers, Glenn and Amy, watching movies. Despite having cancer, he never complained and was always full of gratitude for even the simplest things.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis; several siblings; and his stepmother, Bertie Martin.

He is survived by his sons, Glenn (Amy) Martin and James (Linda) Martin; and his daughters, Gwendolynn Martin and Sharon (Pedro) Acosta. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jonathan, Marcus, Kathryn, Elijah, and Michael, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings, Al, Ben, Miriam, and Mary, along with their spouses, whom he loved very much.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, at 2:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Rd., Lexington, with the funeral service following at 3:00 p.m., officiated by his son, Reverend Glenn Martin. A private family interment will be held at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Edgewood Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1311 Victory St., Columbia, SC 29204.

The family would like to thank the nurses at CenterWell Home Health and Gentiva Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.