Sammie Lee Martin

Sammie Lee Martin of Benton passed away suddenly March 20, 2014. Born September 21, 1942 in Mena, he grew up in Nash, Texas. Sam served as a "Ditty Bopper" in the USAF, and was a proud member of the 6987th Alumni Association. He eluded the layoffs at AT&T/Lucent for 35 years before retiring in Phoenix, Ariz. in 1999. He and Sandy then returned home to Arkansas. Sam set a high standard with his work ethic and providing for his family, but his greatest legacy was living for his Savior and teaching his family to walk in those footsteps of serving God and studying His word. Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Perry Martin and Anna Lee Embry. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandra Kay Martin; their children Gina & Brad Eggebrecht, Sammie Ann & Chris Dunkum and Dara & Jacob Martin; eight grandchildren; a brother, Jim Martin, of Yukon, Okla.; many other family members and friends and his special companion, six year old dachshund, Sophie. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th, 2014 at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills and a graveside service will be Wednesday, March 26th at 3 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park. If attending either, please join the family in honoring Sam's memory by wearing blue jeans &/or cowboy boots. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, The Veterans of Foreign Wars or the charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Sam at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.