Dr. Charles Richardson Martin

DR. CHARLES RICHARDSON MARTIN Dr. Charles Richardson Martin, 83, died on January 1, 2021, in Jacksonville, North Carolina due to complications from COVID-19. In 2020, Dr. Martin was featured in the Jacksonville Daily News for his more than 50 years of service to the Onslow County community as a pediatrician. After the publication of that article, he was asked what qualities he felt had enabled him to connect with people throughout his professional and personal life. His answers included: "The key to connection is listening." Hundreds of Dad's patients recall him kneeling to get on their level so he could speak directly to them in his office. But his ability to listen went far beyond the examining room. He made friends throughout the world with his genuine desire to learn more about everyone he met. He turned acquaintances into lifelong friends everywhere from Nepal to Africa to Aruba. "There is no weakness in not knowing." Charles Martin was born and reared in Wilmington, North Carolina and attended New Hanover High School. He graduated from Duke University undergraduate and medical school and served in the 82nd Airborne as a Battalion Surgeon. But even with a wealth of book and life knowledge, he remained passionate about new experiences for the entirety of his life. He picked up one of his favorite hobbies, mountain climbing, at the age of 65. Over the next 18 years, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro five times, visited base camp at Mount Everest multiple times, and summited both Mount Ararat and Mount Elbrus. "Time is the most valuable gift you can give to anyone." Even with his travels that took him all over the world, there was no place on the globe he would rather be than with his familyincluding his adored French Bulldogs, McGee and Hazel. Some of his favorite times were spent at home in Jacksonville completing puzzles, woodworking, gardening and playing cards or on Mount Kilimanjaro, where he treasured a 75th birthday trip with his daughters and son-in-law, or at his favorite beach in Aruba with Becki, his beloved wife of 56 years. But Dad also made sure he was always available to his patients. He had a listed phone number his entire life and took calls from worried parents at every hour of the day. "I think I can, I think I can, I know I can." Dr. Martin frequently referred to this quote from the famous children's book, The Little Engine That Could. He loved encouraging and praising the efforts of each person he met. Dad never gave up on his dreams or the dreams of others. He made a lifetime habit of always looking for the best in everyone and encouraging them to do the same. "Be present. Be grateful. Be joyful." Even in a time of intense sadness, his family remains so grateful that they were able to share in the constant joy Charles Martin found in his family, his work, and his life. Every single one of Dad's patients was extraordinarily important to him, and we thank the community for its outpouring of support. We treasure all your memories and the stories you have shared of your interactions with him. He is survived by his wife, Becki, his three daughters and two sons-in-law, Susan and Steve Nipper, Caroline Martin, Elizabeth and Jones Angell and six grandchildren, Amiah Martin, Sarah, Mason and Leigh Nipper and Caroline and Walker Angell. He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Charles Richardson Martin, Jr. His passion for life, true love for others, and endless generosity will be deeply missed. A celebration of Dad's life will take place later in 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Onslow County Animal Shelter.