Jerry B. “Slack” Martin, 85, of Marianna, FL, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at River Valley Rehabilitation Center in Blountstown, FL.
Jerry was born in Perry, FL, on March 11, 1935 to the late William B. and Lillian V. Kennedy Martin. Jerry was very well known and respected throughout the National Fox Hunters Association. He was the President of the Dry Creek Fox Hunters Association and the International Running Hound Classic for many years. The Jerry Martin mentor award is given every year at the Dry Creek Field Trail in his honor.
He was preceded in death by his brother, William B. Martin; sister, Juanita Anderson; and two nephews.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda Martin; son, Richard B. Martin; daughter, Tracee Martin Tanner all of Marianna, FL; brother, Larry Martin and wife, Cheryl of Cottondale, FL; sister, Claudette McRae and husband, Bill of Monticello, FL; four grandchildren, Courtney Adams, Bryn Spivey, Justin Martin, and Kyle Tanner all of Marianna, FL; as well as six great grandchildren.
Graveside funeral service will be 3 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2020 at Salem Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Gino Mayo officiating, Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.
Pallbearers include Kyle Tanner, Sky Scott, Justin Martin, Jimmy Martin, Jeff Neel, and Bill Neel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 3015 Jefferson St, Marianna, FL, 32446.
“Among the founding fathers of The Dry Creek Fox Hunters Association back in 1967 was the one and only Mr. Jerry Martin. Mr. Jerry is in a class of his own and his record speaks for itself. Mr. Jerry has always been a huge advocate for our sport by supporting many different affiliations throughout his fox hunting career. Because of him and his dedication to the sport of fox hunting and The Dry Creek, The Jerry Martin Mentor Award was created in 2013. When looking for recipients of this award, The Dry Creek Board looks for a hunter who illuminates the passion and love of the hunt almost as much as the man who is inscribed on the plaque, the one and only Jerry Martin.”