Mr. Albert James Martin Sr.

April 16, 1924 - May 1, 2019

Albert James Martin, Sr. was born on April 16, 1924 in Cardinal, Kentucky to late the John and Lily Martin. After a long illness, he departed this life May 1, 2019 at Northpoint Lexington Rehabilitation Center. As a child he joined Calvary Baptist Church in Cardinal, Kentucky. When his family moved to Lexington he became a member of Second Independent Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Later he joined Imani Baptist Church. As a young adult on July 1, 1943, he joined the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. Time spent in service was served in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central America. His medals, ribbons and citations that were awarded to him, however not all were received, include the European African Medal, Middle Eastern Medal, four Bronze Service Stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and two Overseas Service Bars. While overseas during his 2½ years of service, he earned the rank of Corporal. After returning to civilian life, Mr. Martin met, fell in love with and married his wife, Dorothy Webb. To their union were born four children, Albert Jr., Ronald, Deby and Donald. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Martin on August 31, 1996; two sons, Ronald Martin and Donald Martin; siblings, George Martin, John Blois Martin, Clair Martin, Lela Martin and Lessie Martin. He leaves to cherish his memory are his surviving children, Deby (Greg) Thomas and Albert Martin, Jr.; six grandchildren, Mae (Daryl) Smalley and Chad Martin, children of Ronald and Andrea; Donyale, DeYanna, and Anja, children of Deby and Greg, and Kala, daughter of Albert Jr. and Jo Alice; nine great-grandchildren, Justice and Kayla Smalley (Mae), Kearra and Jeremiah (DeYanna), Nicole, Zyan, Mikey, and Miana (Anija), and LaQuaine (Chad); his youngest sister, Ethel Rene River of Louisville; special nieces, Della Watts, Ester Smith, Ethel Glover and Lois Miller; special nephews, Albert (Jana) Martin II, Aaron Martin, Preston (Debbie) Martin, and George (JoAnn) Adams; a special friend, Carolyn, thank you for all your support and love for our dad. There are so many more family members, loved ones, friends, former co-workers, and social organization affiliations, enough to fill a book. We don’t want to exclude anyone, yet we would like to thank all of you for your many prayers, love and continuous support.