Mr. Samuel Gray Martin

Samuel Gray Martin, 89, of Salisbury, passed away Friday, August 19, 2022 at his residence. He was born June 4, 1933 in Davie County to the late Illa Mae Martin and Grimes Martin. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Illa Mae Martin Myers, step-father, William Myers; brother, Howard R. Martin, infant sister, Glenda Mae Myers; infant son, Samuel Steven Martin and son, Robert Gray “Bobby” Martin. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Ruth W. Martin of the home; daughter, Glenda M. Fuller and husband Mark of Harmony, N.C.; granddaughter, Sara Fuller of Houston, Texas; brother, Earl Myers (Charlotte) of Fort Mill, SC; sisters, Priscilla McCullough of Mocksville, N.C. and Ethel Beaver of Conover, N.C. Mr. Martin finished his Junior year at Woodleaf School. Then in 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp serving 14 months active duty in Korea. After returning home, Mr. Martin married Ruth Wilhelm on November 20, 1954. He continued his education and graduated from Woodleaf High School in 1956. He was the only person to graduate that had his infant daughter at the graduation. He also attended Catawba College. He was a former manager of Raylass Department Store for 20 years. Worked in the men’s department at Belk’s and Trexler Brothers Men’s Store. He worked a total of 50 years in downtown Salisbury. Mr. Martin was an accomplished mandolin and guitar player. He played with a local bluegrass band for many years and loved to attend and play at the Fiddlers Conventions. He started playing music as a young boy. Their daughter, Glenda was a flight attendant so they loved to travel on her passes. They enjoyed going to Mexico, states out west, Hawaii and their favorite trip was going to Europe as a family. They took a train through Germany, Holland and Austria. The highlight of that trip was touring the Sound of Music route and going to Berlin, Germany. He was very proud to have served in the Marine Corp. He was very patriotic and proud of the American Flag. When he was no longer able, the made sure someone put out the flag. He said “I defended that flag and I want to show it proudly” The family would like to thank Community Home Care and Hospice; nurses, Kerry Mollo, Amanda Arthur, Megan Taylor; social worker, Kelsa Hollowell, Centerwell Home Health; nurse Allison Cline Bell; physical therapist, Amy Edward and Pam Roseman. The family will receive friends 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday (August 21) at Summersett Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday (August 22) at Summersett Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jim Harris and Rev. Franklin Myers officiating. Entombment will follow at Rowan Memorial Park Mausoleum. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Martin family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Samuel Gray Martin

June 4, 1933 - August 19, 2022