Michael E. Martin, Sr.

Michael E. "Mickey" Martin, Sr. 82, of Burlison, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, surrounded by loving family at Baptist Tipton Hospital. Mickey was a member of the Masonic Lodge for five years and was a licensed preacher. He was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church for approximately 47 years where he not only served the Lord but was of service to others as well. He taught the Royal Ambassador's class, Children's Church for approximately 30 years, Men's Sunday School Class for approximately 30 years and was a retired Deacon at Smyrna Baptist Church. Throughout his life he exemplified what it meant to walk with faith and integrity. A humble and caring man, he devoted himself to the Lord, his family and his community. His deep love for the Lord was the foundation of his life and was what guided him throughout his life. 

Mickey was the owner of Big M's Country Store in Burlison for 10 years, was the owner of Mike's Tax Service and he has worked as an accountant for Jay-ton Construction since 1987. Mickey lived a life of serving others but his main goal in life was to serve the Lord and live a life that was pleasing to his Heavenly Father each and every day. 

Mickey was a devoted husband and father and his family meant the world to him. But as much as he enjoyed being a husband and father, he was over the moon with excitement about being a Pawpaw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mickey loved when his grandchildren or great-grandchildren would come and help him plant the garden. He loved having them in the kitchen with him and letting them help him cook and never got upset with the messes that they made; he cherished every single minute of it. He loved to cook his fruitcakes and homemade candy every year that he and Joyce would give to their neighbors, coworkers, friends and family. When he wasn't working, gardening, or cooking he loved to sit at his pond and fish, talk to the neighbors as they were walking or watch for squirrels early in the mornings. He found joy in the peace and quietness of nature; he loved to be outdoors. His love of fishing was more than just for fun; It was all about the precious memories made by the pond and the kids all laughing in excitement while catching "big" fish with Pawpaw as he kept all of their hooks baited with those red hot dogs, fixing their broken lines after they got them tangled up in branches or into each other and taking their "big" fish off of their hooks and throwing them back into the pond. He loved and cherished having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fishing with him. He helped most of them catch their first fish and he had such joy in watching their faces as they pulled their fish out of the water each and every time. 

He cherished the simple pleasures of life and was happy when he was surrounded by friends and family. Mickey was the pillar of strength for his friends and family and he will be missed dearly. His life was a testimony to the power of grace and he touched countless lives with his encouragement, prayers and wisdom.

 He is survived by his wonderful wife of 60 years, Joyce Martin; one son, Michael (Lesia) Martin Jr; one daughter, Marsha (David) Stephens; seven amazing grandchildren, Candice Morris, Josh Rose, Jonathan Martin, Jeannie Royster, Mark Miller, Jennifer Stephens and David Stephens Jr; five wonderful great-grandchildren, Sarina Carter, Christina Morris, Cameron Morris, Kara Sutton and Bentley Martin; three sisters, Betty Rhodes, Teresa Morris and Cathy Picheloupe and a host of nieces and nephews. Mickey is preceded in death and reunited with his parents, John E. Martin and Mary E. Martin and one brother, Tommy Martin. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 19 at the Covington Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow in Magnolia Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m. at the funeral home.