MSGT Leon Anthony Martin Sr.

Mr. Leon Anthony Martin, Sr. was born on August 18, 1954 in Columbia, SC and departed this earthly life on Monday, August 6, 2014 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He was the sixth of nine children born to the late Zeb Hill Martin and Carrie Robinson Martin. Leon was united in marriage to the Love of His Life, Patricia Prioleau Martin, on May 5, 1984 and they shared 30 Blessed and wonderful years together. Out of this union came Tempestt, Leon, Jr., Noel and Cartier. Leon loved them with all his heart. Leon attended the public schools of Richland County, and graduated from AC Flora High School in the Class of 1972. He continued his education where he received his Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Coker College and Masters Degree in Counseling with emphasis in Mental Health from Webster University. Leon also attended Midlands Technical College and Columbia Junior College. Master Sergeant Leon served in the US Army, 33 years, seven months and four days, serving first in the US Army reserved and retired Honorably from active military duty, April 2014. Leon was a dedicated employee. He last worked at the Office of the Governor, Children Division as a Children’s Service Coordinator, where he provided services for emotionally disturbed children; New Hope Treatment Center as an Activity Director, and SC Department of Mental Health as a Human Service Specialist. Leon was a faithful, dedicated worker for the Lord. He was a member of New Saint Thomas Reformed Episcopal Church where he faithfully served on the choir (s) and assisted the Pastor with his reading of scriptures. He was dedicated to attending worship service and bible study. His favorite song that he sung was “Jesus Is Love”. He loved and enjoyed singing this song and it became his trademark. Leon also served as President of the Men of the Church Auxillary at New Saint Thomas. Leon was a die hard Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers fan. Win or lose he stayed devoted to these teams. He loved sports. In high school, Leon was a member of the Football, Basketball and Captain of his Track Team. He coached little league baseball, flag football for various parks throughout Columbia. He coached baseball and basketball for military personnel at Fort Jackson, SC. Leon leaves to celebrate precious memories, his devoted wife, Patricia Prioleau Martin whom he loved and cherished, Tempestt Martin,, his daughter; Leon Martin, Jr., his son; Noel Martin, his granddaughter; and Cartier Martin, his grandson; Leon holds a very special place in his heart for Noel’s mother, Jessica Bush and Cartier’s mother, Sidney Hill; his brothers, Harold (Edna Mae) Martin, Walter (Janie) Martin, Wayne (Sonya) Martin, Larry (Pat) Martin, Jimmy (Lucy) Martin and Darryl (Linda) Martin; his sisters, Christine (Calvin) Lucus and Alma Martin; Leon’s father-in-law, George Prioleau and mother-in-law, Albertha Prioleau; brother-in-law, Antonio (Linda) Prioleau and Sylvester (Eva) Prioleau; and a host of nieces; nephews; other relatives; very dear friends; his church and military family all of whom will miss him dearly. The family request that memorials and condolences be made on their web page @www.palmermemorialchapel.com

MSGT Leon Anthony Martin Sr.

August 18, 1954 - August 6, 2014