Johnny Drexel Martin

JOHNNY DREXEL MARTIN, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024 at his home on Kerr Drive in Roxboro, North Carolina. 

Johnny was born to the late James Kermit and Edna Louise Stewart Martin on November 6, 1934 in the High Plains community of Person County. 

After graduation from High Plains Indian School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country until being honorably discharged in 1957.  Following his military service, he returned to North Carolina and went to work at Chandler’s One-Stop Service Station in Virgilina, Virginia.  Johnny moved to Marietta, Georgia in 1969 where he began a successful 30-year career with Kroger Foods.  He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan as well as an enthusiastic NASCAR follower and he developed an impressive collection of Braves and NASCAR memorabilia. He retired from Kroger in 1999 and returned to Roxboro.

Johnny is survived by a brother, Otis Martin (Musette) of Roxboro, NC, sisters Sue Martin of Marietta, GA, Linda Epps of Chesterfield, VA, and Peggy McGlohon (Reeves) of Mount Holly, NC.  Numerous nieces and nephews also remain to cherish Johnny’s memory.  Preceding Johnny in death were his parents, a brother, Fuller Martin, and sisters Virginia Garst and Shirley Hazel.

Johnny Martin never met a stranger and those who knew him understood the pride he had in his family and in his Sappony tribal heritage. He was involved in the annual Sappony Youth Camp, the Sappony 5K run and the Sappony water development initiative.  He was awarded the United Tribes of North Carolina Indian Elder Community Award in 2017 and the American Indian Veteran Service award in 2020.

Johnny had a strong Christian faith.  He grew up in Calvary Baptist Church, was a member of Piedmont Baptist Church while living in Marietta, Georgia, and moved his membership to Cavel Baptist Church in Roxboro after his retirement and return to North Carolina.  He was active in the support of the Lord’s work wherever he went.

A service honoring Johnny’s life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastors Vernon Wilkerson, Jack Stewart, Charles Martin, and Norman Talley officiating.  Visitation will take place prior to the service at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dante Desiderio, Randy Driskill, Phillip Elting, Jay Hazel, Rodney Hazel, Dale Martin, Darrin Martin, and Noah Martin.  Honorary pallbearers will be Hubert Royster Epps, Lee Epps, Darrell Martin, Garrey Martin, Kirt Martin, and Frankie Talley.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Calvary Baptist Church, 2663 High Plains Road, Roxboro, NC 27574 or to the Sappony, P.O. Box 3265, Roxboro, NC 27573.

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.

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