Steve C. Martin

Published 11:06 am Wednesday, February 19, 2025

MILWAUKEE – Steve Cola Martin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on February 17, 2025 at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, at the age of 68 after a brief illness. Steve was born on August 20, 1956 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina to Mina Long Martin and Roger William Martin.

Steve grew up and lived his adult life in the Milwaukee area of Northampton County where he enjoyed the quiet, rural community. Steve was a member of Milwaukee Bethany Methodist Church, and he also found peace by enjoying time in the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, Steve found joy in hunting the nearby woodlands and fishing at Doolittle Mill Pond. Above all, Steve cherished his family, and the time spent together, whether it was in Milwaukee or enjoying surf and pier fishing at Kill Devil Hills. His daughter Jessie became his best little “Buddy” very early on and was always ready to join him whatever the time. Steve was so proud of Jessie and the young lady she had grown up to be, and most recently he was proud of the beginning of her nursing career and so excited about Jessie and Michael’s upcoming wedding.

Steve dedicated his career to serving as a Corrections Officer at Odom Correctional Institute in Jackson, North Carolina, retiring after 30 years of committed service. Steve was very adept in figuring out why “things” were not working properly and usually could either repair or improvise a solution. He generously shared this talent with family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand.

When he was not hunting or fishing, he also had a passion for reading and solving Sudoku puzzles. He also loved grilling and tackling “fix-it” projects around the house. Steve also enjoyed quality time with his sweet little canine companion Bella, often going on short four-wheeler rides or just cuddling in the recliner.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Mina Long Martin and Roger William Martin; his father-in-law, Jerry Dean Askew; and his dear canine best friend, Bella.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly forty-eight years, Julie Askew Martin; his daughters, Jessie Lynn Martin, and her fiancé Michael Smith, and Rachel Martin; brothers, Tony Martin and wife Ellie, and Alvin Martin and wife Linda; sisters, Susan Martin Britton, and Patricia Bryant and husband Tommy; nieces, Rebecca, Ali, Shawn, and Sharlene; nephews, Patrick, William, Travis, and Shane; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He will also be lovingly remembered by Julie’s family: mother-in-law, Shirley Askew; sister-in-law, Jerri Lynn Askew; and brother-in-law, Jeff Askew. His best friend, Ronald Vaughan, along with many other family members and friends, will cherish his memory.

Steve’s family invites friends to visit and share memories at their home during this time. In honoring his wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Steve’s honor be made to the Conway Volunteer Fire Department, 113 White Street, Conway, NC 27820 or online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search and typing Steve Martin.

The Martin family has entrusted Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square Chapel, with the funeral arrangements. Friends and loved ones are invited to leave their condolences at www.garrettsykesfs.com.