Michael Reynolds Martin passed away peacefully from this life among his family and friends on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 and moved to his Lord and many others who lovingly awaited his arrival.
Mike was born on Jan. 25, 1945 to Eula Mae and Reynolds Martin. He attended school in Jasper and graduated from Walker High School, where he was placekicker for the Viking football team. He attended Walker College and Auburn University and resided in Jasper for a number of years thereafter.
Mike served in the National Guard from 1966-1971.
Always a person recognizing an opportunity, Mike and his family relocated to Orange Beach, Alabama in 1985 where he embarked upon a successful career in real estate. He continued his career with Kaiser Sotheby's International Real Estate until very recently.
Among many who cherish Mike's memory are his wife, Melanie Mikell Martin; his children, Zac Martin (Julie) of Birmingham, Missy Courts (Clay) of Atlanta and Mikell Frechette of Jasper; brother, Pat Martin of Pensacola; grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Mollye, Cam and Emmy Courts and Catherine Martin.
Mike will be remembered for his contributions to the Orange Beach revitalization and growth during the years of his participation in many endeavors and events which lead to the wonderful results now enjoyed by so many.
Mike was also (and almost silently) instrumental in assisting the state of Alabama (particularly Tuscaloosa County) in the pursuit of automotive manufacturers and suppliers by welcoming them many times to his home with his innate beach hospitality.
He will also be remembered for his many other attributes, including his love of family, community and friends and an overall gift for making people around him feel better the moment they encountered his warm handshake, hug (or both) - always with a welcoming and endearing smile.
Throughout his lifetime, Mike was actively involved in many activities which he believed would make lives and situations better from some young people we all encounter each day and whom we know could use a helping and encouraging hand.
His primary focus for years has been assisting the Youth Reach Gulf Coast organization, which emphasized the restoration of lost futures. In that spirit, a special and recently endowed fund has been created to continue Mike's dream: The Mike Martin Change a Life Project c/o Youth Reach (Gulf Coast), Post Office Box 357, Summerdale, AL 36580 (www.youthreach.org).
A celebration in honor and observance of Mike's remarkable like will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. until the service begins at 11 a.m. at Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, 26389 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561.
