Rev. Paul Martin, Sr.

Reverend Paul Martin, Sr. passed on from this life on the evening of August 25, 2026 after a long well fought and well endured battle with health. Paul was born on June 21, 1963 to Floyd and Virginia Lucille Martin in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He would then go on to graduate from Patterson High School with Athletic honors and recognition in Varsity Soccer and Basketball. Paul would then continue his academic Journey as the first male in the Henderson-Alexander Family to attend and graduate from a four year institution, where he obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry. While in attendance at his beloved HBCU Paul was well endowed in the community and the university. He was a member of the Russian Club, Chinese Club, Chemistry Club, an HNSS Honor Student,Captain of the Soccer team, WLIU (Campus Radio station), The National Slavic Honor Society, Poet, & the Editor and Creative mind behind the 1985 Edition of the Lincoln University Yearbook, which was dedicated to the Frank “Tick” Coleman in his final year at Lincoln University. Paul would continue his journey obtaining advance Degree from University of Massachusetts-Lowell. From there he went to become a Scientist @ Bristol-Myers Squibb.

While working Paul went on to join the Greater Deliverance Church in the Early 90’s starting out teaching Sunday School and eventually becoming a Licensed and ordained minister at Greater Deliverance Church. It was here that he embarked on his joy of teaching and pouring into others, while working closely alongside Apostle Duncan. Years later he would leave Pennsylvania and arrive in Augusta, Ga. under the guidance of his Uncle Edward Odell “Pete” Henderson Sr.

While in Georgia Paul spent his time teaching and Coaching At (Butler High School, Hephzibah High, ARC (Richmond Academy), Laney High School, Paine College, and A.R. Johnson Magnet School. In the Fall of 2002 Paul became a member of the Psi Omega Chapter- of Omega Psi Phi Inc.- Augusta, Georgia.

In the Early 2000’s Paul moved to South Carolina where he spent time at Strom Thurmond Highschool as an Assistant Principal and then later SCDC (South Carolina Department of Corrections.) During this time he went back to school and Obtained another Advanced Degree from SC State University. He coached throughout the early years of his son’s Athletic careers and then took a step back to develop them behind the scenes after they reached a certain age (Basketball, Football, Baseball, Golf, Soccer, etc.) In the fall of 2022 Paul became a brother of the Effingham Lodge #98, in Aiken,SC where he served as the Secretary of the lodge, partaking in the vast amounts of community outreach, fundraisers and uplift in the surrounding areas. After retiring due to illness in 2018, Paul returned back to work this time with Bettis Preparatory in 2024 where he continued his passion for education and coaching. Paul had a profound passion and expertise in the outdoors, Cooking, Sports, Education, Fellowship with Friends and Family, the ministry and not to mention ANYTHING PHILADELPHIA, but most of all The EAGLES.

Paul is predeceased by his Father Floyd and Mother Virginia and his older Brother Floyd Jr.

Survivors include five children, Lacey Gaymon (Eddie), Paul Martin II (Deahjane’), John Martin (Makaeda), David Martin, and Joshua Martin; five siblings, Troy Sr. (Jean), Dorothy (Byron), Jefferey (Evelyn), Dawn and Gemil; three grandchildren, Sienna Gaymon, Paul Martin III "Trey", and John Micah Martin; five nieces, Dawn, Ashley, Shayla, Yvette, Tesia; 11 nephews, Maquise Sr., Michael, Antonio II, Paul, Troy Jr., Raymond, Morell, Jeff, Byron, and Patrick; an "Army" of cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of which he played a role in shaping them into the individuals they are today.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church where the Rev. David Mason, Jr. is the pastor and the Rev., Dr. John R. Brightharp eulogist. 

A future service will be held at 10:00 AM October 3, 2026 at Greater Deliverance Church in Pennsylvania. Inurnment will take place at Oxford Cemetery in Oxford, Pennsylvania.