Darryl Adrian Martin, Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service is restricted to family only. Darryl Adrian Martin, Sr. was born September 16, 1962, in Columbia, South Carolina and departed this earthly life on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at Providence Health Northeast in Columbia. He was the youngest of nine children born to the late Zeb Hill Martin and Carrie Louise Robinson Martin. Darryl attended the public schools of Richland County and graduated from A.C. Flora High School in the Class of 1980. He attended Columbia Junior College, then enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for four years. After his military service, he enrolled in the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. While at USC, he played basketball where he was #50 on the All-Time List and holds the most rebounds in the Metro Conference. He played professional basketball in Australia and gave back to the community as an AAU Coach throughout Columbia for many years. He was the Longleaf Middle School Head Coach for over ten years. He first joined the Union Baptist Church where he gave his life to the Lord. He was active in many capacities including: Trustee Board Member; Praise Team Leader; Men's Choir; and the Brotherhood. He later joined New Dimensions Church of Northeast and served as a Praise Team Leader and the Men's Brotherhood, in addition to wherever his gifts and talents were needed. Darryl was united in marriage to the former Linda Kiyo Drake, who he affectionately called "Kiyoses" and "Beautiful" everyday, on February 15, 1997. They shared twenty-three years of devotion and commitment to each other and God. To this union, two children were raised, nurtured and loved: Captain LaKiya D. Drake of Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Darryl A. Martin, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia. For twenty-eight years, he was employed by Federal Express until September of 2020. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, MSGT. Leon Anthony Martin, Sr. He leaves to cherish precious memories his beloved wife, Linda K. Martin of the home; two children: Captain LaKiya D. Drake and Darryl A. Martin, Jr; two sisters: Christine (Calvin) Lucas and Alma Martin; five brothers: Harold (Edna Mae) Martin, Walter (Janie) Martin, Wayne (Sonya) Martin, Larry (Pat) Martin and Jimmy (Lucy) Martin); four sisters-in-law: Regina Stephens, Brenda Stephens, Lisa McQueen and Patricia Martin; a brother-in-law, John Russell (Tonya) Drake, III; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, very dear friends, his church and military families, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Darryl Adrian Martin, Sr.

September 16, 1962 - November 18, 2020