Frank Beamon Martin III of Signal Mountain, died on Friday, February 8, 2013 in a local hospital. He was 51.
Frank was born in Eau Gallie, Fla., and had been a life-long resident of Signal Mountain.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James D. Fields and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Beamon Martin, Sr., and his father, Frank Beamon Martin, Jr.
He is survived by his mother, Judith Martin, wife, Brigette Adams Martin, sons, Stephen Lee Nechy and Joseph Houston Martin, sisters, Elizabeth Anne Martin and Amy Martin Smith, nieces, Elsie Martin, Maggie Shipley, Catie Shipley, all of Signal Mountain; mother-in-law, Joanna Adams, and sisters-in-law, Melodie Romita and Kim Renfro, nieces, Kylie Eaker, Katie Renfro and Allie Renfro, great-nephew, Maxwell Cayce, all of Chattanooga; aunt and uncle, Ron and Harriett James, and cousins, David, Peggy, and John James, of Washington D.C.
Frank attended Signal Mountain schools and Red Bank High school where he enjoyed wrestling and basketball and excelled in football. He also swam for the Signal Mountain swim team. Later he attended East Tennessee State University. Frank is a member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church where he served as an acolyte, sang in the choir, and was a member of the EYC.
Frank was self-employed as a sub-contractor and real estate inspector covering much of the Southeast. Inspired by his father, he had a love for aviation, particularly gliders and single engine planes. He exhibited a special talent for electronics and an artistic creativity in carpentry and design. Frank most enjoyed spending time with his son, Joseph, riding motorcycles and trials bikes. He began participating in trials bike competitions which eventually led to racing sport bikes.
Frank had a strong Christian faith and participated in a weekly Bible study group with his close friends. He was a kind and compassionate person who was willing to help anyone in need.
We are grateful to all of Frank’s friends, especially Terry Rankin, Reggie Rankin, Rob Philyaw, John Coolidge, Rick Trimble, and Doug Hicks.
Services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church with Reverend John Dukes officiating.
The family will receive friends in the parish hall from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 6221 Shallowford Road, Suite 102, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421 or to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 630 Mississippi Avenue, Signal Mountain, Tn. 37377.
Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home.