Ray A. Martin

Chapin—Mr. Ray Alfred Martin, 70, of Chapin was born in Columbia on November 6, 1949, and passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was the son of the late Alfred Martin and Eula Wilson Martin.Ray excelled as an athlete and was a Sports Star in Baseball and Basketball for the Columbia High School Capitals.He was selected to 1967-68 All-Metro Basketball Team where he averaged 16.9 points per game and shot over 76% from the free-throw line. Ray also played two seasons for the American Legion Post 55 baseball team that was coached former M. L. B. player, Kirby Higbe. Before coming to Columbia High School, he played for the Legendary Cy Szakasci at University High School.Ray later played both baseball and basketball for the Spartanburg Jr. College Pioneers. Ray then went on to play baseball for the Paladins of Furman University. Surviving is his loving wife of 29 years, Carol Hall Martin; daughter, Kacey Watson; step-sons, Jason White (Amee), and Jeremy White (Margaret Ann); also a brother, Murray Martin (Juanita); 3 grandchildren, Harrison, Jackson, and Lincoln White.Those who preceded him in death were his parents. The memorial service to celebrate the life of Ray A. Martin will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Gateway Baptist Church, 1601 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo, SC 29063, officiated by The Reverend William Paul “Bill” Dieckmann. The family will receive friends following the service. In light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, masks are mandatory and social distancing will be observed in the worship center of the church. Memorials in Ray’s memory may be directed to Pawmetto Life Line, 1275 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212.