Junior Lawayne Martin

Junior Lawayne Martin (Buddy) was born on November 14, 1964. He left this world peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on March 27, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.

Buddy was proceeded in death by his Parents Sam Martin and Myrtis Jimmerson Martin. Brothers Leon Martin and Thomas Martin. Sisters Vera Harbin, Iva Nell Tedder, and Ruby Pitts.

He is survived by Tammy and Neil Foust, Dawson, Hailey and Grayson Foust, Jimmy and Misty Fletcher, Austin Fletcher and Brie, Bryson, Olivia, Oaklynn and Brantley Fletcher, Frank and Nic Fletcher, Dennis Martin, Brandon, Karri, Addilynn, and Hudson Martin, Brandi, Torrin, and Taisley Suh. The staff and clients from the CCCDD as well as a host of family and friends

Pallbearers: Frank Fletcher, Jimmy Fletcher, Bryson Fletcher, Austin Fletcher, Dennis Martin, and Dylan Basenburg.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jacob Carden, Rob Spear, Joseph Kanaday, Greg Duffy, Taylor Austin and Willard Hudson

There are some people that come into our lives with titles that never quite fit. People that you love more than their title suggests. This would be my Uncle Buddy, that word; the word uncle doesn't even begin to describe the person he was to me and so many. Even though he was my uncle, I consider him more like my child, my constant, the purest, most joyful love I've ever known.

For 54 years of my life God saw fit to bless me with this love, the sweetest, most tender love I could've ever hoped for. We were woven together in a way that didn't need an explanation – it simply was. It was at times trying, emotional, and overwhelming, but more than that it was rewarding, joyful, and full of Love.

For over 26 years I helped guide him, care for him, and walk with him through this life as he called our home, his home. He taught me just as much, if not more, than I could ever teach him. He taught me patience and Love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

We grew side by side through laughter, tears, throat punches, defiance, kisses, and we can't forget his sweeping, dancing and singing skills - all of which made him the most favorite Buddy to so many.

He lived his life with a heart untouched by the heaviness of this world; his Down Syndrome shielded him from realizing hate, despair, sadness and hurt. Instead, he lived his life giving many, many kisses, singing at the top of his lungs, and laughing uncontrollably. His trust was complete, his joy - simple and honest. He had a way of making the hardest day a day full of laughter and love. There were, of course, moments that were hard, seasons that stretched me in ways that are hard to explain. However, even in those moments it was still easy to love him because loving him meant I got to care for him, fuss with him, get a cuss from him and of course get some wet kisses from him. I was his and he was mine, and nothing could separate that.

He didn’t measure life by accomplishments or milestones, but by the joy he found in the connections he made—and by the number of leaves he swept from the driveway.

There are so many familiar faces that he cherished. These sweet people looked forward to his wet kisses and warm neck hugs each time they were in his presence. His lady friends—Dee, Laura, Judy, Kiara, Kelsey, Sandy and Leigh Anne loved and cherished him like the “wife” he said they were. The kind staff at the Margaret Jean Jones Center, his most special friend Mendy Slaten, and his buddies there, shared countless moments together. They sang karaoke, danced, did crafts, and played ball. Jacob, Rob, Taylor, Greg, Joseph, and so many at the center were more than just friends; they became his family.

Snead Farmhouse home to Mrs. Judy, was one of his favorite places to visit. Her unconditional love for him was unlike any other. She made sure that he always had his broom, his favorite music, and a cold sprite. Oh! And a big Hug, kiss and a selfie.

The members of Cullman Church of Christ have shown tremendous kindness through their prayers, meals, cards, and calls—all deeply appreciated. His cheerful “you tell ’em, Steve!” and his joyful noise will be dearly missed.

We have never been shown so much Love and compassion during such difficult times as we have from Gentiva Hospice. I would personally like to Thank Taryn Collins for her exceptional care of our boy from day one. To Jennifer who spent her time laughing, snuggling, feeding him Nilla wafers, and singing some Conway Twitty. To Alicia for always making sure he was fresh and clean. I loved to her them sing scrub a dub dub Buddy’s in the tub and the sound of laughter coming from the bathroom. She sure had a way with him. Last but not least, Brandon and Jason, thank you for praying with him and making sure we had what we needed.

He leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, of resilience, and love, the truest love created. To know him was to love him, his heart was so gentle and so pure, his smile and laughter unforgettable, I count it as an honor to have had him as a part of our home, a part of our family, and a part of our hearts for so long. He will be greatly missed by all of those who remain behind, that loved him so dearly. While my heart feels the weight of his absence in ways words cannot fully convey, I also rejoice in knowing he is in the arms of our sweet Jesus.

Friends are invited to join the family on Monday evening, March 30, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., in the Holly Pond Funeral Home Chapel, for a time of visitation. Buddy's life will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the funeral home, in a service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow services in Roswell Creek Cemetery.

Buddy's obituary was lovingly written by his family.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Martin family.