Obituary of Mickey Ray Martin

MICKEY R. MARTIN Kingsport- Mickey Ray Martin, 57, of Kingsport went to be with the Lord on Wednesday February 26, 2014 unexpectedly at his home. Mickey was a loving husband, daddy and Papi, and he cherished his family. Mickey was a graduate of Lynn View High School class of '75 and completed the Apprenticeship program through Eastman. He retired after 30 years of service at Eastman Chemical as a pipe fitter/welder on the underground crew. Mickey was a member of Higher Ground Baptist Church. He was a master craftsman, building his home and many of the furniture pieces inside. He also loved the outdoors, landscaping, and walking his canine companion Lucy. His family teased him for being the Master Champion EBay Shopper. He enjoyed his Saturday treasure finds at local flea markets, and he was an avid collector of Longaberger Baskets. Mickey leaves behind many friends, and he was loved deeply by his family. Mickey, you will be in our hearts and our home for the rest of our lives. We will miss you. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Edward Martin and mother, Reba Loiuse Martin. Mickey leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Kathy Martin; son, Michael Martin and wife Miryam, and daughter, Sarah Martin; the loves of his life: Miqueas Doblas-Martin, Mikaela Doblas-Martin and Jude Bear Martin; sisters, Carolyn Gilliam and husband Danny; Terri Christian and Steve Steadman; Traci Roller and husband Michael; Mother-in-law, Vivian Stapleton; brothers and sisters in laws: Carolyn Crawford and husband Wally; Vickie Barham and husband Tommy; Billy Stapleton: and Martin Stapleton and Andy Abney, and many nieces and nephews. We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Cynthia Poortenga and her staff for the loving care they have provided to Mickey and his family. We would also like to thank the Pastor, Staff, and church family of Higher Ground Baptist Church for their tremendous outpouring of love and support in our time of great loss. The family will receive friends from 4 pm to 6 pm Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Higher Ground Baptist Church, 1625 Lynn Garden Drive, Kingsport, TN 37665. A celebration of Mickey's life will follow at 6:00 pm with Dr. Phil Hoskins and Dr. Shannon Salyer, officiating. A eulogy will be given by his sister, Terri Christian. Music will be presented by the Higher Ground Baptist Church Choir and Orchestra and Sarah Beth Kerr. An Entombment service will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 3, 2014 at Oak Hill Mausoleum, Kingsport with Michael Martin, Mike Mumpower, Michael Roller, Steve Steadman, Martin Stapleton, and Wally Crawford serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Gilliam, Miqueas Doblas-Martin, and Jude Bear Martin. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:55 am. In honoring his wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his grandchildren for future college expenses. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com.