09/29/2026
Today, Stateline has lost one of its precious men.
Bro. Larry Martin was deeply loved by his church family, his family at home, and seemingly everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a worker, a giver, a helper, and a man who loved people well. Larry was never afraid to tell you the truth, but those who knew him understood that it came from a heart that genuinely cared. He loved his family dearly, loved his church, and was faithful to the Lord.
We will miss his familiar presence, his humor, his willingness to help, and the many ways he quietly blessed those around him. Our church will not be quite the same without him.
In Loving Memory of Larry James Martin
October 3, 1948 – September 25, 2026
Larry James Martin, affectionately known by many as “Chief,” 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, Mississippi, to the late Perdee and Sadie Louise Martin.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Larcy Nell Davis Martin; his sister, Mary Lou Martin; his brothers, Dicky Norris, Henry Carroll Norris, and Benny Perdee Martin; and his 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; his brother, Jimmy Ray Martin; along with a host of nieces, nephews, children of the heart, friends, and loving family.
Bro. Larry was truly a jack of all trades. He was a carpenter, police chief, plumber, mason, Shriner, and a member of Joe Southall Lodge #905. If there was something that needed to be done, there was a pretty good chance Larry knew how to do it.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, tending to flowers, and just about anything that allowed him to be outdoors. But above all the things he could do, his greatest love was people—especially his family.
And to Larry, family was never limited to blood. He became a son, brother, father, paw-paw, and friend to many who never shared his DNA. He was a man of great Christian faith, with a big heart and a genuine love for people. His influence reached much farther than he probably ever realized, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.
Visitation and Homegoing Celebration
Visitation will be held at Stateline United Pentecostal Church, 494 Simon Road, Tylertown, MS 39667, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, with a Homegoing Celebration of singing and preaching beginning at 6:00 PM.
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.
The service will include Pastor Brandon Wilkins, Pastor Roger Perkins, Pastor Victor Creagh, Bro. Shane Stringer, and Bro. Stephen Andrus, Sr.
Pallbearers: Levi Martin, Trey Lillie, Shane Stringer, Jason Goleman, Jesse Martin, and Bro. Stephen Andrus, Sr.
Honorary Pallbearers: Bruce Lovett, Toby Griffin, Michael Barnett, Grady Jackson, Robert Taylor, Wayne New, Jason Stringer, David Perkins, Andy Cooper, Bob Taylor, Chuck McDaniel, and Reggie Young.
Please keep the Martin family, his many friends, and our Stateline church family in your prayers during the days ahead.
We are thankful for every year God allowed us to have Bro. Larry among us. He worked hard, he helped people, he gave freely, he loved his family, and he remained faithful.
We will miss you, Bro. Larry. Until we meet again.
