Gerald Martin

Gerald Martin went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 31, 2016.He was born on November 12, 1938 to John D. and Alice Martin in Woodford SC and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy Jeffcoat Martin.He is also survived by his son, Kenneth (Ronnie) Martin (Trudy), daughters Sheila (Paul) Raulerson, Beth Ulmer and a special family friend, Freddie Johnson; grandchildren Sarah Calvert, Nathan Raulerson, Kelci Barr, Trey Ulmer, Aubrey (Symantha) Martin, Emily Martin, Corrie Ulmer and Leigh Raulerson; great-granddaughters Julie and Eden Calvert and Sophia Martin and great-grandson Jeremiah Jensen; brothers Adrian Martin, O’Neal (Vernell) Martin, and sister-in-law Patty Martin.He was predeceased by a brother, Rodney Martin; sister, Betty Jean (Fred) Whitman and a sister-in-law, Gladys Martin.He also leaves many nieces, nephews and extended family. He retired from SCE&G and from the SC Army National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel after thirty-four years of service.He was a graduate of the US Army Command, General Staff College and Limestone College.Gerald was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 78 in North, SC.He served on the Board of Director’s for the Bull Swamp Rural Water Company and for many years, he served on the Orangeburg School District 6 and Consolidated 5 School Boards. He was deacon of the First Baptist Church of North and Salem Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School to youth and adults for many years, at both churches. One of his proudest accomplishments and greatest pleasures was being a founding member of the Dixie Dew Drops Blue Grass Band, for almost 60 years.He was a self-taught musician and played many instruments, but his favorite was the banjo of which he was a great banjo picker. Culler-McAlhaney Funeral Home (www.mcalhanyfuneralhome.com) in North is in charge of the services.Visitation will be Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the funeral home from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.The funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church of North on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 3:00 pm with burial following at Salem Baptist Church, North, SC.The service will be officiated by Rev. Brett Mask, Rev. Larry Shull and Rev. Rick Jones.In lieu of flowers, he asked for donations to be made to the Youth Fund of the First Baptist Church of North.