LELAND MARTIN Sr

  Leland Martin Sr., 97, of Greer, South Carolina, born November 21, 1928, to the late Thomas and Lillie Bell Wright Martin, transitioned to eternal life on Monday, March 16, 2026, at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, South Carolina. A native of Greer, he was a US Army Veteran of the Koren War. He worked as a Cylinder Plater for Homelite Textron in Greer and was the former owner of Martins Café. A faithful member of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Taylors, South Carolina, he contributed throughout the years on the Finance Committee, Trustee Committee, and United Methodist Men Fellowship, and he participated in the building team for the church’s new facility. Leland was united in holy matrimony with Mildred Elizabeth Foster Martin in 1955, a partnership of 55 years until her passing in 2010. He cherished his family, had a lifelong love for the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Braves, and enjoyed gardening and cooking for his grandchildren. Psalm 127:5 was a verse that guided his life. "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court." 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred Elizabeth Foster Martin; granddaughter Shani Takiyah Martin; and siblings Javan Martin, Morris Martin, Robbi Odell, Floree Foster, Barbara Edwards, Geraldine Freeman, and Marylene Coats.

Survivors include: -Sons: Leland Stein (Beverly) Martin Jr. of Greenville, SC; Johnny Keith (Pamela) Martin Sr. of Lyman, SC; Mandrill Orlando (Rosa) Martin of Mauldin, SC - Daughters: Vanessa (Sterling) Harris Sr. of Greenville, SC; Valerie (Ronnie) Wright and Vonetta (Clarence) Brown of Greer, SC  - One Grandson, Terill Martin (Lanair) who was reared in the home as a child growing up. Siblings: Robert Dacus Martin, Agatha Martin, Margaret (Cal) Jones all of Greer, SC - Grandchildren: 20, Great-grandchildren: 23 - Great-great-grandchild:  1 - A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Viewing will be from 2:00 PM Until 6:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026, in The Fred Singleton Slumber Room of the Gilmore Mortuary.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2026, in St. Mark United Methodist Church with the pastor, Rev. Dr. Carlton J. McClam Sr., officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

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