Mr. Louie "Ray" Martin

Louie Ray Martin, 84, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at UMC in Jackson. Visitation will be Friday, September 8, 2017 from 5-8pm and Saturday, September 9 from 10am until the 11am funeral service, all at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram. Interment will follow at Lakewood South. Ray was born in Smith County, MS to the late Lester and Bonnie Martin. He lived in Byram since 1987 having come from South Jackson, retiring as a Fire Fighter with the City of Jackson after 33 years of loyal service. Ray was ordained as a Deacon at Temple Baptist Church, Jackson MS and was currently a member of Wynndale Baptist Church. After his retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling, camping and attending blue grass music festivals. He loved to play golf and he played the game very well. He was the MS Super Senior at the MS Senior Olympics in 2003 and 2004. Ray’s Christian walk touched so many lives. His love for God, his girls, his family and friends and his zest for life were evident in all he did. Ray never met a stranger and he was so easy to love. He gave the best hugs-as his family will confirm, along with about a million other people. His smile lit up a room. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Clyde Martin, Ozell Martin and Leola Shute. Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Bobbie Townsend Martin of Byram; daughters, Dina (David) Neelley of Terry, Gina (Danny) Myrick of Flowood and Shelley (Billy) Hollingsworth of Madison; sister, Sue Nichols of Pearl; grandchildren, Zach Neelley, Blair Neelley, Bradley Hollingsworth, Bonnie Clair Hollingsworth and Paul Owen Hollingsworth; and numerous nieces and nephews.