Hurley Martin

HOLLY HILL - William Hurley Martin, 80, passed away Friday, August 8, 2014 following an extended illness. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Avinger Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marshall Locke and Rev. Earl Behr officiating. Burial will follow in the Island Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, and other times at the home. Hurley was born October 15, 1933 in Orangeburg county, a son of the late Gilmore and Pearl Mims Martin. He was raised in a family of seven sisters and one brother. Following graduation from Holly Hill High School, Hurley served as an enlisted man in the Army during the Korean War. Upon his return to Holly Hill from military service, he worked at Farmers Chevrolet in Holly Hill. Hurley then began a career as a Marine Machinist at Charleston Naval Shipyard, retiring after 30 years of service. Throughout his tenure with the Naval Shipyard, he maintained his family home in Holly Hill. Committed to family, friends and his community, he served as a volunteer for the Holly Hill Volunteer Rescue Squad, investing countless hours to certify as a paramedic delivering emergency medical services for the community. In that capacity, Hurley was occasionally able to assist in bringing some of the area's then newest residents into the world. He was a Mason, a member of the Shrine, and a member of First Baptist Church of Holly Hill. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Mary Ratliff Martin, of Holly Hill; a daughter, Stephanie (Mike) Giordano of Holly Hill; two sons, Marty (Nan) Martin of Marietta, Ga. and Tim (Marykay) Martin of Mt. Pleasant; a sister, Senetta (Hugh) Hubbard of Pinopolis; and four grandchildren, Lauren Martin of Mt Pleasant, Adam Martin, Ryan Martin and Leanna Martin of Marietta, GA. He was predeceased by one brother, G.L. Martin and five sisters, Ermina Depriest, Eva Mae Irick, Priscilla McDaniel, Sally Cox and Louise Wise. The family would like to recognize the staff at Life Care of Charleston for their compassion and thoughtfulness towards the family during this difficult time. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Holly Hill, PO Box 235, Holly Hill, SC 29059.