Roger Edward Martin
Dr. Roger Edward Martin went to his eternal home on August 8, 2024, a month shy of his 90th birthday.
He was born in Asher, Oklahoma, on September 7, 1934, to Ed and Mary Lou Martin. His mother, a dedicated Christian, took Roger to church in Seminole, TX, where he came to know Christ at age 11. When he was 16, his family moved to Graham, Texas, where his pastor, Dr. Robert L. Sumner, mentored him. God soon made it clear that He was directing Roger into the ministry.
After high school, he attended Oklahoma Baptist University and Wheaton College, where he earned a degree in history in 1957. While at Wheaton, he met Sarah Joy Rice, and they were married on August 26, 1960.
Roger earned his MA in New Testament at Wheaton and his PhD in theology at Bob Jones University in 1975. He served as assistant pastor or pastor in churches in Wheaton, Paducah, KY, Sedalia, MO, and Durango, CO. After moving to Chattanooga in 1969, Dr Martin taught at Temple Baptist Seminary, at times serving as Dean. In addition to his teaching in the seminary, Roger pastored Grace Baptist Church in Rossville, GA for 14 years.
He and Joy traveled the United States and the World teaching, preaching and leading marriage conferences. They were long-time members of Highland Park Baptist Church, then Grace Baptist Church, both in Chattanooga, TN.
He is the author of the book R.A. Torrey: Apostle of Certainty, which has edified many in ministry over the years.
Dr Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mary Lou Martin, his wife, Joy Rice Martin, three sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law.
He is survived by his six children: Roger E. Martin, Jr (Joy), David G Martin (Doreen), Bruce W. Martin (Marlina), Marilou Martin Lyons (Daniel), Melody Martin and Holly Martin (Trina), 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He leaves behind a legacy not only of his family, but the students he taught, the church families he ministered to, and the friends and co-laborers who valued his life.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Monday, August 12, at Grace Baptist Church (First SDA Church at 7450 Standifer Gap Road) in Chattanooga with burial services to be followed at the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro, TN.
Memorial donations can be made in memory of Roger and Joy Martin to Joyful Christian Ministries. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 90028, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37412.
Donations may also be sent via Venmo to @MarilouLyons888.
View www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family.
Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.