John Edward Martin
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John's obituary
Obituary for John Edward Martin “Papa John”
Loris, South Carolina, Horry County.......John Edward Martin, age 83, of Hwy 9 West Loris, SC was called home to his Heavenly Father, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at McLeod Health Loris. Born on May 22, 1942 in Lexington, NC, to the late James A Martin and Nannie Wilma Goins Martin. Mr. Martin was predeceased by his wife, Zonnie Louise Martin, who he had been married to for 51 years as of her passing in 2019; grandson, Lonnie Housand; great granddaughter, Ivory Watts; sister, Frances Jeanette Martin Palmer; brothers, Ray Thomas Martin, James Walter Martin Sr, and Junior Lee Martin.
Survivors include his daughter, Sheila Lynn Martin Housand; granddaughter, Samantha Watts; 5 great grandchildren, Brendon Housand, Amber Watts, Jonathan Watts, Jr., Kimber Housand, and Payton Watts; 2 great-great grandchildren, Andrew Watts and Ivy Brown; sister, Nancy Martin Little; and brothers, Horace Edward Martin and Ronald Eugene Martin.
Mr. Martin was an active member of Lake Swamp Baptist Church for 50+ years. John's unwavering belief in God was the foundation of his character. His life was guided by the lessons he loved to share with all he encountered: to love God, love one another, drive a Ford, and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He leaves us with a legacy of kindness, gentleness, generosity, love and lots of hugs. John's warm spirit and the depth of his love was never clearer than when he was with his family, both immediate and church. His loved ones were his world, and he poured his entire heart into nurturing those relationships and telling all what Jesus had done for him. His example of love and commitment will forever echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.
John’s devotion to duty was evident in his service to his country. He proudly served in the US Army, exemplifying the values of honor, courage, and commitment. His work ethic continued into his civilian life where he worked many fruitful years for La-Z-Boy as a truck driver, driving over two million miles doing a job that allowed him to see the beauty of the country he loved and served.
Remembering John Martin as a loving man, a devoted servant of God, a patriotic veteran, and a loyal friend will continue to inspire us all. His life taught us that love, faith, and service to others are the pillars of a meaningful life. Indeed, we are all better off from having known him. There is no doubt that he has, or will hear soon, the words, "Well done, My good and faithful servant".
In accordance with Mr. John’s wishes, cremation arrangements have been lovingly handled by Grand Strand Funeral and Crematory of Murrells Inlet, SC.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Lake Swamp Baptist Church, 4075 Highway 917, Loris, SC 29569, with Pastor Michael Mathew and Pastor Craig Palmer officiating.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, prior to services, at Lake Swamp Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to Lake Swamp Baptist Church,4075 Highway 917, Loris, SC 29569 or online at www.lakeswampchurch.com., Please sign Mr. John’s online guestbook at https://everloved.com/life-of…
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