Stanley H. Martin Jr. was born February 6, 1942, in Hale County, Alabama. He was the eldest of six children. Stanley married Nita Hamilton Martin of Eutaw, Alabama, on February 23, 1963, and had recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. At the time of his death, Stanley was the assistant fire chief for the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department.

Stanley’s life can be summed up in a few select words, such as dependable, hardworking, fun loving, enthusiastic, fearless, and adventurous. He instilled upon his family that a man was only as good as his word. Mr. Martin was very active in the church and fire department and completed any task with a smile on his face. Whether working for Bill Hunter Trucking, Alabama Power, or United Transport, Mr. Martin got up every morning and readily performed his duties. He believed in an honest day’s work for an honest wage, and his actions demonstrated those values. Mr. Martin served his community and assisted those who needed a hand. He could be counted on to assist less fortunate individuals with cutting grass, storm cleaning, barn raising, hay baling, garden plowing or any other task that needed to be accomplished.

Stanley was always READY to go with an enthusiastic smile on his face. He was never afraid to take on a difficult project or situation. He loved action, and he loved to travel. If it had wheels, he drove it! Whether it was a church van, automobile, lawnmower, tractor, fire truck, eighteen wheeler, backhoe, or flatbed…if it rolled, he would make it roll. He never knew what was around the next bend, but he sure wanted to find out.

Stanley panned for gold in Alaska, combed Mayan ruins in Mexico, plowed fields in Alabama, and hiked the mountains of North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Alaska. He sailed the Caribbean and canoed the worst rapids the Okatoma River had to serve. He may not have emerged upright in his canoe, but he enjoyed the ride. He was welcoming to all and served all, regardless of who they were or where they came from.

Stanley Martin Jr. is missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, Eutaw Baptist Church, and the community of Eutaw, Alabama.