Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Sparta Methodist Church for Charles Elbert Martin, 93, of Holcomb, who died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 18, in Oxford with his family by his side. Burial followed in the church cemetery. The Rev. John Howell Jr. officiated. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service on Monday, Dec. 22, at the church.
Charles was born on Jan. 6, 1932, in Holcomb, the community he would call home for almost 94 years, the son of the late Sue Hellon Martin and the late Clifton A. Martin. He was a member of Sparta Methodist Church. He grew up farming, a lifelong pursuit starting behind a mule, and later planting soybeans in the hills until 1980, when the market collapsed. His love of gardening only waned when his health no longer allowed, and he sold his last cows a quarter-century ago.
Charles also worked as a carpenter, another lifelong profession as he built countless houses until his retirement. During a time when deer hunting was a community affair, posted land scarce and the sound of Walker hounds music, his handle was “Hammerman.” And it was no secret that he would lay his hammer down when the season started, where it would remain until it was over. He also loved turkey hunting and was among the few who experienced the passion before commercialization would forever change it. The lifelong memories, including from his greatest passion, quail hunting, were vibrant until the end.
In addition to his parents, one brother, Frank Martin, and his sister, Odylene Carroll, preceded Charles in death.
Survivors include, his daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and David Howell of Holcomb; one grandson, Charles A. Martin of Holcomb; one great granddaughter, Maci Ann Martin of Holcomb; two stepsons, Michael (Gwen) Lott and Steven Lott, all of Holcomb; one brother, Walter (Karen) Martin of Conway, Ark., along with nieces and nephews.
Taylor Martin, Cliff Martin, Carl Sammons, Brooks Sammons, Terry Welch and Buddy Morrison served as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Sparta Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 157, Holcomb, MS 38940
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
