BY BRANDY TEMPLETON
David Wayne Martin was a big man with a big heart who faithfully served his family, his community and his Lord.
Martin, who passed away on January 21 at the age of 64, was well known and widely respected throughout Iredell County for his work as the director of emergency management. He also devoted countless hours to serving his neighbors through the rescue squad and Ebenezer Volunteer Fire Department.
His love for all those things was evident during his memorial service Saturday through scripture readings, singing, testimonies, and the Iredell County blanket that was draped over his coffin at Hebron Baptist Church.
During the two days before Martin died, he was still rolling over in his bed and trying his best to serve Iredell County.
“He was always there to help keep us safe,” his son Michael said during the service. “He did us right.”
Rev. Darren Johnson quoted Christian author Joni Eareckson Tada as he described Martin’s legacy.
“When a Christian realizes his citizenship in Heaven, he starts acting as a responsible citizen on Earth,” Johnson continued, explaining that Martin “faithfully loved his family, his church, and Iredell County.”
Affectionally known as “Bubba” to his family and close friends, Martin’s voice was known to residents throughout the county. In his role as director of emergency management, he would record phone messages sent to residents to let them know when inclement weather was coming.
“Whether it was Hurricane Hugo or any other storm or dangerous condition, Dad was the strong voice on the telephone message warning everybody,” his son said.
In addition to his professional work, Martin was a dedicated and loyal husband and father, a deacon and Sunday school teacher, a great singer, and an ordained minister.
When Rev. Johnson asked others to speak about Martin, he was remembered as “a blessing” to others, as someone who was dependable, and as a friend who enjoyed participating in neighborhood football games.
Martin’s daughter Pamela said her father’s faith was the driving force in his life.
“He worked for the Lord and not man,” she said. “He loved the Lord so much,” she said.
Throughout the memorial service, Martin’s children asked those who came to celebrate their father’s life to focus not on their father but on the Heavenly Father.
Rev. Johnson urged attendees to give their lives to Jesus
“We only have one life, and it will soon be passed, and only what’s done for Christ will last,” Johnson said. “David Martin was prepared for his great emergency, are you?”