Larry James Martin, “Chief” as he was known by many, went to his Heavenly home on Friday, September 25, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born October 3, 1948 in Tylertown, MS to the late Perdee and Sadie Louise Martin. Along with his parents he is also preceded in death by his loving wife, Larcy Nell Davis Martin; sister, Mary Lou Martin, brothers, Dicky Norris, Henry Carroll Norris, and Benny Perdee Martin; and son, Opey Irwayne Martin.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Holly Mechelle Martin Johnson (Billy), and Michael Thomas Martin (Loutina); grandchildren, Rebecca Rae Martin Lillie (Trey) Levi James Martin (Jordan), Marlana Paige Johnson, Rosamari Skye Stagner (Shaun), and Olivia Grace Martin; great grandchildren, T.J. Lillie, Elijah Tucker Lillie, Ada-Jolene Lanelle Lillie, and Natalie Mechelle Hester; brother Jimmy Ray Martin; along with a host of nieces, nephews, children of the heart, friends, and loving family.

Mr. Martin was a jack of all trades. He was a carpenter, a police chief, a deputy sheriff, a plumber and an electrician, among many other things. You name it he could do it. Out of all of these things, he was an expert at spoiling his grand and great grand kids. He was a Shriner, and a 46 year Mason at Joe Southall Lodge # 905. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, tending to flowers and anything outdoors. He also loved to cook and was known for his famous hush puppies, banana pudding and pound cakes. But of all the things he did, his heart went to loving all of his family and friends. What he considered family was not just his blood kin. He was a son, brother, father, and pawpaw to many who never shared his DNA. He was always willing to help anybody with anything. This was a man of great Christian faith with a big heart who loved a lot of people. His legacy will be remembered by many.

Visitation for Mr. Larry will be held at Stateline United Pentecostal, 494 Simon Road, Tylertown, MS 39667, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a Homegoing celebration with singing and preaching starting at 6:00. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Lockler Memorial Baptist Church, 18995 St. Stephens Road, Mt. Vernon, AL 36560, from 9:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM, Pastor Brandon Wilkins, Pastor Roger Perkins, Pastor Victor Creagh, Bro. Shane Stringer, and Bro. Stephen Andrus, Sr..

Pallbearers will be Levi Martin, Trey Lillie, Shaun Hester, Shane Stringer, Jason Goldman, Jesse Martin, and Bro. Stephen Andrus, Sr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Lovett, Toby Griffin, Reggie Young, Michael Barnett, Grady Jackson, Robert Taylor, Wayne New, Jason Stringer, David Perkins, Andy Cooper, Bob Taylor, Randy Holmes, and Chuck McDaniel.