Rayford Kennard Martin

Rayford Kennard Martin, 79, of Glencoe, was born on February 1st, 1944, in Golden Star, Arkansas. He was the 9th child of Hezziah Kair “Carl” and Elva Paralee (Jackson) Martin where, like his siblings, he was born in their small farmhouse. He departed this life on April 23rd, 2023, at Southfork Therapy and Living Center.

Ray was united in marriage to Glenna Marie Smith on April 16, 1963, in Wenatchee, Washington. To this union three children were born. He married Susan Marie Wellborn on June 15th, 1981. He worked as a seasonal fruit and cotton picker which required him to hitch-hike across the country during his summers. He then joined the Army following high school where he served in Korea. Upon returning home he took a job at the Tri Co Shirt Factory, then as a carpenter for Horseshoe Builders where he helped construct the first house in Horseshoe Bend, and later for Stone Lumber Company. He owned the Exxon Gas Station with his brother Paul Gene, Grade C Dairy with his brother Michael, and his own farm Martin and Sons Dairy. His last venture was the Glencoe Holding Pen restaurant that he opened with his son Robby. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsmen frequenting over 14 states where he would pursue his favorite pastime. He was a loyal Razorbacks and Cardinals fan as well as a faithful Salem Greyhound alumni, even recently traveling to many of their games.

He is survived by his son, Robby Ray Martin (Becky) of Ash Flat, Arkansas and son, Brian Keith Martin (Alicia) of Republic, Missouri; brother, Waymon “Keith” Martin; sister, Margie Mae Bridges; grandsons, Chase Allen Martin, Matthew Colton Price, Zachary Jarrett Martin, Brody Layne Martin, and Bryce Jackson Martin; great-grandson, Kipton Colton Price as well as countless other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brad Allen Martin; parents, Hezziah Kair and Elva Paralee Martin; brothers, Winford “Arnold” Martin, Haskel “Hack” Martin, Paul Gene “Gomer” Martin, and Micheal Gail “Mike” Martin; sisters, Charsley “Claudene” Drake, Billie Jo Moss, and Murl Faye Martin; brother-in-law, Boyce Drake, and Bobby Dale Bridges; sister-in-law, Icapheen Martin, Laferne “Fern” Martin, Maxine Martin, and Betty Martin as well as daughter-in-law, Paula Ann Martin.

Pallbearers include: Chase Martin, Matthew Price, Brody Martin, Zach Martin, Bryce Martin and Tim Martin

Honorary Pallbearers include: Seth Martin, Tripp Martin, Heath Humphries, Lance Humphries and Link Humphries

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Doty Family Funeral Service Chapel in Salem, Arkansas, beginning at 2:00 PM with Bro. Tom Doty officiating. Interment will follow at Humphries Cemetery in Glencoe, Arkansas. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Humphries Cemetery Fund, PO Box 713, Salem, Arkansas 72576.