Raymond Lacy Martin, Sr.

Raymond Lacy Martin, Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born on August 6, 1927 in Crystal Hill, VA, the son of the late Harvey and Anna Mae Powell Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Elmer, F.H., Wesley, Peggy, Ethel, and Glenn.

Mr. Martin was a member of Temple Baptist Church. He served his Country during World War II in the United States Navy aboard the USS Comet. He was an electrical/radio engineer and was a radio personality for WGNC. At one time he was Gaston County’s weatherman.  Those he met included David Carradine, Randy Travis, and especially Loretta Lynn with whom he corresponded with, along with other Country stars.

Mr. Martin is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Martin; sons, Raymond L. Martin, Jr. “Ray” and wife Robyn of Gastonia, and Roger Martin and fiancé Carolyn Griffin of Lumberton; grandchildren, Matthew R. Martin and wife Courtney, Jennifer M. Pennington and husband Matthew; five great grandchildren, Heath, Hudson, and Harper Martin, and Gabriel and Phillip Pennington.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019, 12:00 p.m., at Alexander Memorial Baptist Church, 208 S. Main Street, Belmont, with Rev. Jerry Pennington and Matthew Pennington officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia.