ᐅ North Carolina Death Notices 2009-2024
Martin, Gladys, Girlie, Gilford, Gertrude, Gertie, Geraldine...

On 7, 2013, Gilford Hicks Martin Sr., (Concord, NC) best father in the world peacefully left this earth preceded in death in 1993 by his beloved wife of 47 years, Anne Mae Carter, the best mother in the world, to continue their 'Sentimental Journey' together in eternity. Together they had three children whom he adored; his surviving daughters, Debbie Northcutt (Montgomery AL), a highly respected and dearly loved Registered Nurse by all for over 40 years, and Beverly Ragsdale, (Concord NC,) who would became his beloved caregiver and "his girl" until his passing, and his only son, Gilford “Gil” Martin II (Concord, NC).

 

He had many interests throughout his lifetime such as history, fishing, anything about NASA, his beloved Kentucky Wildcats, bowling, NASCAR, and could even be seen kicking up his heels if the right tune came along. He was a great ‘tinkerer’ and could repair nearly anything. For many years he was the ‘captain’ of the family ski boat and spent numerous summers taking his family along with many friends to the lake to camp and ski. The track at the Fairgrounds in Nashville became a regular weekly event enjoyed by him and his children. One in particular took the experiences to heart. He took great pride in being able to spend summers taking the family on long road trips to eventually cover the entire nation. Experiences none of us will ever forget.

 

His work ethic could not be matched. Born in rural Logan , Kentucky (Adairville) he learned that success comes with hard work and to always be a man of his word. As WWII came along, he moved to Nashville, TN to contribute to the war effort through his work at Vultee where fighter planes were built eventually becoming a supervisor. Later he worked with Cities Service Oil Co. for 30 years again as a supervisor for the oil and gas tank farm located on the Cumberland River. his retirement at Cities Service, he wasn’t one to sit, so he joined Kwik Sak stores as a supervisor with responsibilities over numerous locations in the Middle Tennessee area. That’s where he met Bob and Loretta Seagraves who would become his dear friends.

 

Although he supported and encouraged all his children in their goals and was proud to see each achieve success, his son provided him with many years of exceptional pleasure through all the typical youthful endeavors such as baseball, soccer and finally with Gil’s passion for racing. Throughout the years he became known as the best dad to a number of neighborhood boys, hauling groups around to various events and fun activities in the back of his always ready well-known pickup truck. As the years rolled on, racing became a major central point he and Gil could share. He delighted in attending many of his son's NASCAR events and races, watching Gil excel.  Later on as his health declined and was less able to travel, he devotedly watched every televised race to cheer his boy on.

 

Upon Anne Mae's passing, he finally did officially retire to Concord to be close to his son and his family. He had always maintained a very well kept lawn and garden in Tennessee so it only stood to reason he would find his time filled with the same activities in Concord. From his home he could hear all the activity at the Charlotte Speedway and from his hammock could watch the airplanes overhead. An activity he relished.

 

Others left behind to celebrate his life are son-in-law Robert (Debbie); daughter-in-law Ronda (Gil); Grandchildren Laura Leigh, Dane Northcutt, Shelby Kelley, Andrew Dill, and Ford Martin, five great-grandchildren Cole, Cash, Jasmyne, Jared and Hailey, sister Sybil Knight, brother Fred Martin, and numerous other extended family members and friends.

 

A graveside service will be held at two thirty in the afternoon on , the 11th of at Woodlawn Memorial Park with visitation held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.  The family has asked that in lieu of flowers he would be honored for your contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association for continued research in this devastating disease.