Otis “OJ” Junior Martin, 78, of Stoneville, NC passed Wednesday, September 28, 2022. Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC. The family will receive friends 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2022, in the Mary D. Perry Memorial Chapel at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Stoneville Community Cemetery located at 187 Joyce Farm Road, Stoneville, NC.

Otis Junior “OJ” Martin, a native of Rockingham County, was born January 29, 1944, in Mayodan, NC to the late Lewis and Della Dalton Martin. He departed this earthly life on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at UNC Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC, surrounded by his loving family.

He graduated from the former Charles Drew High School in the Class of 1963. A veteran of the United States Army, he served during the Vietnam era at Fort Davis, Panama. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was awarded medals for marksmanship and meritorious conduct before his honorable discharge.

After service to his country, Otis began his career in textiles as a machine operator at Fieldcrest Mills before becoming a supervisor at Macfield Texturing, Inc. The leadership abilities that had gained him the rank of Sergeant were instrumental in his being chosen one of “Macfield’s Best” in 1988. He retired from his position as plant manager after 33 years of employment with Macfield/Unifi.

Otis continued to work even after retirement. For 14 years, his agricultural knowledge and love of gardening were displayed in his work as a member of the staff at Tuttle’s Berry Farm in Stoneville, NC. He often cultivated gardens in his own backyard and loved to share the fruits and vegetables he had grown with neighbors, friends and family. He loved NASCAR racing and was a devoted fan of the UNC Tar Heels.

In addition to his parents, Otis was preceded in death by two sisters; Beatrice M. Smith and Virginia M. Reynolds, and two brothers; David M. Martin and Sylvester R. Martin.

Otis leaves to cherish his memories: beloved wife of 54 years, Ruby C. Martin; son, Anthony Martin of Kernersville, NC; daughter, LaTina Martin of Garner, NC; grandsons, Parker Martin of Ann Arbor, MI and Khalon Martin of Kernersville, NC; sister, Arlene M. Scales (Carl) of Stoneville, NC; sisters-in-law, Mary D. Martin and Beatrice Martin, both of Madison, NC, and Margaret C. Martin (Joe Louis) of Stoneville, NC; brother-in-law, Aaron Dalton (Judy) of Stoneville, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.