Thomas Ernest Martin died of natural causes on December 18, 2022 in Pinehurst, NC at the age of 97.
Ernie was born in Huntsville, AL, son of the late Howard A. and Lueberta Neal Martin. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Howard E. Martin of Marion, NC and Joseph R. Martin of Charleston, SC. Ernie was a graduate of Central High School, Chattanooga, TN. He entered the University of NC Chapel Hill in the Naval V-5 program. Three plus years later, he returned to UNC where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a love of the University that lasted his lifetime. Ernie then joined the General Electric Company, spending thirty-six years in sales and marketing, primarily with the Lighting Business Group. His years with GE included stays in Raleigh, Richmond, and Baltimore before finishing his career in the northern NJ/NY market. His earlier life included membership in the Sigma Chi fraternity, the Masonic Lodge, and numerous Episcopal churches where he served as vestryman, usher, teacher, and lay reader. Blessed with a beautiful baritone voice well into his 80’s, he loved singing in the church choir, and he could sing “Hark the Sound” at a drop of a hat.
Ernie’s passion for the game of golf was legendary; he was always ready to play and was deservedly proud of the three times he hit a hole-in-one. But Ernie loved no one or thing more than his beloved wife of 69 years, Lucy Dunn Guion of Charlotte, NC. ‘Till the day he died, he still thought she was the most beautiful person he’d ever known. Other survivors include a brother, James Martin of Jackson, MS; a daughter, Leigh M. Lowe (Henry) of Baltimore; two sons, Eric B. Martin (Jean) of Greensboro and Alan R. Martin (Karen), of Titusville, FL; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also dear to him was Anne Weiber of Lund, Sweden, a foreign exchange student who remained a devoted “daughter” for all of Ernie’s life.
Since he was a two-time cancer survivor, if making a contribution in Ernie’s honor is of interest, please consider The American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.BolesFuneralHome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.
