John Martin, Jr.

John Martin Jr., 90, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 14, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.  John was born in Benoit, Mississippi on July 5, 1931, to the late John Martin Sr. and Freda Marie Hutson Martin. He attended Benton High School, Class of 1948. John enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after High School and served 4 years. After enlistment, John attended The University of Southern Mississippi and later transferred to Mississippi State University for the Electrical Engineering Program. In 1958, John graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. John had a long career as an Electrical Engineer with the United States Civil Service and retired as a GS-13 from Eglin Air Force Base. 

John married his high school sweetheart, Betty White Martin, on December 23, 1950. Together, they had four children: Rose Marie Martin Fair, John Randy Martin, Dyann Carol Martin Haller, and Joe Ray Martin.  John and Betty were longtime residents of Fort Walton Beach and were members of "The Living Word Church" in Navarre, Florida for many years. John's Christian faith was central to his life and he often encouraged others and shared God's Word. He had a charitable soul and often gave to families who were in need. In retirement, John enjoyed fishing and camping at his lakefront property in Defuniak Springs, Florida. He also enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

John Jr. is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty; his two daughters Rose Martin Fair & Dyann Martin Haller; thirteen grandchildren, Chad Matthew Haller, Bridget Lauree Fair, Benjamin Fair, Troy Martin, Sarah Martin, Corey Martin, Caleb Martin; son-in-law John J. Haller (Dyann's husband) and daughter-in-law Patricia Martin (John Randy's widow); his sister Kay Martin Hope and his brother D.L. Martin.  John Jr. is preceded by his parents John Martin Sr. and Freda Hutson Martin; his sons John Randy Martin and Joe Ray Martin; his grandson Sean Michael Haller; his brothers Marshall P. Martin and Durwood Martin; his sister Helen Martin Jenkins; and his son-in-law Bron R. Fair (Rose's late husband).

A visitation will be held at The Living Word Church, 9031 Sunset Drive, Navarre, Florida 32566, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 12 pm. Burial will be at Beal Memorial Cemetery following the Funeral Service.

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