Max Martin
May 3, 1936 ~ February 13, 2023
Bro. Max Martin, of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on Monday, the 13th day of February 2023. He was 86 years of age. Bro. Max was born on the 3rd day of May 1936 in the Blackjack Community of Cherokee County to parents Oran Braley Martin and Alma Mae Jones Martin.
Bro. Max graduated from high school at the Academy of Jacksonville Baptist College. He attended college at Jacksonville Baptist College, Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, Mississippi, and attended BMA Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas. Bro. Max went to work for Mrs. Baird's Bakeries in March of 1977 and retired in 1997. Prior to that he worked for six years for Sunbeam Bakeries out of Tyler and he worked for just over a year at the Rusk State Hospital. Bro. Max also worked for Weiner's Department Store and Danburg's Department Store which is where he met Cynthia.
Bro. Max preached the Gospel for many years at various churches including Antioch Baptist Church in Fairfield, Texas, Calvary Baptist Church in Groves, Texas, Tiger's Creek Baptist Church in Richton, Mississippi, Temple Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi, East Amory Baptist Church in Amory, Mississippi, Pearson Chapel Baptist Church in Lovelady, Texas, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas, New Hope Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas, Grapeland Baptist Church in Grapeland, Texas, and Long Lake Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas. He also served as the music director for several of the congregations. Bro. Max loved the Lord with all his heart and walked with Him daily preaching and saving souls. He was known by many and immensely loved by his family and countless number of friends.
Bro. Max joins in Heaven his parents Oran and Alma Martin.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years Cynthia Arlene Martin; daughters, Connie Ballard and husband Ray of Brandon, Mississippi, Vickie Wells of College Station, Texas, Susan Dorsey and husband Cavin of Palestine, Texas; sons, Michael Martin and wife Michelle of Noonday, Texas, and James Martin and wife Kelly of Elkhart, Texas; brother, Charles Martin and wife Erma of Troup, Texas; twenty-one grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from six o'clock until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 17th day of February 2023 at Rhone Funeral Home.
A funeral service to celebrate Bro. Max's life is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 18th day of February 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Roy Duncan officiating the service. Interment will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Cavin Dorsey, Freddie Pryor, Jim Anderson, Joel Enge, Rick DeFreece and Dwayne Gardner. Honorary pallbearers include Donald Lacy and Ray Ballard.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be directed towards Vecinos en Cristo, 2204 Venture View, Palestine, Texas 75803.
Funeral services for Bro. Max Martin are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
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Bro. Max has been a special man in my life for over 50 years. He has been my beloved pastor, music director, (He sang beautifully), and piano player. He married my husband, Tom, and me in September, 1970. We were married 47 wonderful years until he passed away. Bro. Max had always had a special place in our hearts. Much love to you, Cynthia. Prayers for you and your family. -Sheila PRESTRIDGE
Bro. Max has been a special man in my life for over 50 years. He has been my beloved pastor, music director, (He sang beautifully), and piano player. He married my husband, Tom, and me in September, 1970. We were married 47 wonderful years until he passed away. Bro. Max had always had a special place in our hearts. Much love to you, Cynthia. Prayers for you and your family. -Sheila PRESTRIDGE
My first memories of uncle Max were Turkey naps. I knew every thanksgiving after the Turkey Uncle Max would take a nap. Sure enough he never let me down. I went astray from the faith as a teen but when the Lord reigned me in besides my mom I wanted Uncle Max and Aunt Cynthia to know I was walking with the Lord. I knew they would rejoice. Although social media can be worthless for so many reasons it has been a blessing to me to keep up with my Palestine family. My husband also enjoyed getting to know my family thru Facebook and many smiles from Uncle Maxs posts and pleas for peppermints. I’m thankful I have zero doubts to seeing Max again and I know then he won’t be my uncle but will be my brother in Christ. I know you are rejoicing and the cares of this world no longer concern you. Well done you lived a life worthy of your calling and you will be greatly missed.
Max played the piano for me Beacon Baptist Church as I led the music. He was such a blessing to all s he played, Later I followed him as pastor at New Hope Baptist near My prayers for the family as they bid him good night as one of these days there is going to be a glorious morning
Max played the piano for me Beacon Baptist Church as I led the music. He was such a blessing to all s he played, Later I followed him as pastor at New Hope Baptist near My prayers for the family as they bid him good night as one of these days there is going to be a glorious morning
Bro. Max – I’ll be thinking of you every spring when the warm weather starts to bring the smells of Aquismon to Texas! You are loved and will be missed 💕
Bro. Max always blessed me with the joy of the Lord he always showed in so many different ways. I enjoyed working with him when he was our pastor at Long Lake. I pray God’s peace upon his family at this time.
I send sincere condolences to all the family. Brother Max inspired me by his Christian walk in life. He encouraged me and uplifted me by his words of wisdom. I live close by him and would travel down his street many times to go to the store or get gas, etc. Brother Max would be sitting on his front porch and never failed to wave his big friendly wave. He always knew my car and always had that joyful smile and wave. It always uplifted me to see him enjoying the outdoors. He sent me a message once and said he just wanted to remind me that I am very important to God. I will miss seeing that heartfelt wave of encouragement as I pass by now, but, I praise God that Brother Max is now in the arms of Jesus which is where he is happiest now and rejoicing! Thank you, Brother Max for inspiring me in ways you never knew. My prayers for all who loved him and for his family.
Bro. Max was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. He loved with his eyes, his words, and his heart. And he cried so easily…I always loved that. He made the day better whenever he was in it. He was quick to give hugs and a word of encouragement. He will be greatly missed.
Susan, Kelly, Mrs.Martin,& Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you during this difficult time.
Brother Max meant so much to my family and we loved him dearly. He baptized my children and watched them grow. Thank you for being a part of our lives.