Robert Earl “Shorty” Martin, 52, of DeFuniak Springs, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2006, at the family residence. He was born October 23, 1953 in Brownsville, TN, the son of Vernon Willthomas Martin and Jessie Marie Elrod Martin.
Martin was owner and operator of Sunshine Vinyl Company. He loved fishing and boating until ill health prevailed, forcing him to spend a lot of time at home. He made the best of his limitations, devoting himself to his family, mainly his grandbabies. He spent countless hours riding them around in the yard in a wagon pulled by his riding lawn mower and it is still undecided who enjoyed the jaunts more, him or the grandkids. His family became his top priority and many memories have been forged at barbecues in the backyard and time spent together with them.
Among survivors are his wife, Edith Martin of DeFuniak Springs; his children, Christopher Petty of Niceville, Randy Martin of Stanton, TN, Shannon Bexley, of DeFuniak Springs, Vanessa Bexley, of Pensacola, Steven Martin and wife, Brandi, of DeFuniak Springs, and Joshua Bexley and wife, Christina of Crestview; his brothers, Thomas Martin and wife, Beverly, Lynn Martin and wife, Marie, and Kenneth Martin, all of Stanton, TN, Vernon Martin, Jr, Bobby Martin and wife, Sandra, all of Somerville, TN; his sisters, Dot Tackett and husband, Chris, of Memphis and Lou Qualls and husband, Dwane, of Whiteville, TN, His grandchildren, Erick, Garbriel, Austin, Lexie, Jasmine, and Aurora also survive.
Floral contributions were accepted. Visitation was on Wednesday, May 10, 2006, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 10 a.m. in Jerry Evans Chapel. Burial followed in Magnolia Cemetery.
[Source: The DeFuniak Springs Herald, May 18, 2006, Page 10-B]
[Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, DeFuniak Springs]