James "Ronnie" Martin
The world lost a great man today. James Ronald “Ronnie” Martin went to be with his Savior on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. He was 84 years young.
Ronnie was a lifelong resident of Cleveland, a graduate of Bradley High School in 1957, and an upstanding longtime member of Westwood Baptist Church. He never met a stranger, always loved talking to folks and telling stories. Speaking to Ronnie was like talking to a history book. Some say he knew everyone in Cleveland and was known as “the best butcher in town.” He worked at many grocery stores including M.C. Headrick, Watson’s (all locations) and many others over the years.
He had several hobbies including his love for fast cars and could often be found racing at the local drag strip in his younger days, and loved watching westerns. Ronnie read the entire Bible several times and was always greeting everyone with a smile. He never met a stranger. Ronnie was a man of principles and stood by his word, never short on advice, or chewing gum. He was very independent until the end. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in Peace, Captain. You were loved by many. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest F. and Grace Frazier Martin; his wife, Reba Goins Martin; brother, George Martin; and sister, Mildred Blalock.
Ronnie leaves behind two daughters, Kimberly Martin Odom and Ronda Mechelle Phillips (Greg); four grandchildren, DeRee Catlett (Dustin), Heath Tinsley (Keri), Laura Odom (Justin) and Brodey Phillips; three great grandchildren, Avery, Hudson, Ginny; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Ronnie’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home with Wayne Finnell and Nolan Phillips officiating. The interment will follow in Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery with Heath Tinsley, Dave Jones, Vernon West, Dustin Catlett, David Kelley, and Orlando Crawford serving as pallbearers.
His family will receive friends from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Martin family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.