Charles Elbert Martin passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 18, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford with his family by his side. He was born January 6, 1932, to Sue Hellon Martin and Clifton A Martin in Holcomb, the community he would call home for almost 94 years.

Charles 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.

Visitation will be Monday, December 22, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sparta Methodist Church. The service will immediately follow at the church at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Howell, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Taylor Martin, Cliff Martin, Carl Sammons, Brooks Sammons, Terry Welch and Buddy Morrison  as pallbearers. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Charles is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and David Howell of Holcomb; a grandson, Charles A. Martin of Holcomb; a great-granddaughter, Maci Ann Martin of Holcomb; two step-sons, Michael (Gwen) Lott and Steven Lott, both of Holcomb; a brother, Walter (Karen) Martin of Conway, Ark.; along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank Martin; and a sister, Odylene Carroll.

Memorials may be directed to the Sparta  Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 157, Holcomb, MS 38940

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, ( 662-307-2694 ).