Joel Martin

Joel Martin, age 59, husband of Polly Childress Martin, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025 at the Hospice of Laurens County.

He was born on October 1, 1966 in Kannapolis, North Carolina and was the son of the late Frances Harold Martin and Betty Love Martin Savage. Joel was employed with The Budd Group, was a member of the Tri-County Cowboy Church in Gold Hills, NC and the 323 Rodeo Company where he served as a chaplain. Joel was a recipient of the Promise Coin, the Great People Award and Register Building Service Manager Award.

Joel Martin – a man who loved all things Merle Haggard, George Strait, Georgia Bulldogs, blue grass music, horses and roping. A man who never met a stranger and the life of a party. A man who loved big and called things just like he saw them. A man who was either praying with you or praying for you. A man who loved to tell others about his Savior, Jesus Christ…especially those cowboys and cowgirls at 323 Rodeo. A man who raised two strong willed, hardworking independent Christian girls. The man who’s main focus was loving and taking care of his wife Polly.

Joel is survived by his wife, Polly of 31 years, his two daughters, Dianna and Hannah; his brothers, Mark Martin (Rose) of Purcellville, VA.; his sister, Melanie Martin (deceased).

Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Davidson Street Baptist Church with Rev Ervin Stutzman and Rev. Darrell Kluttz officiating. The family will greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Davidson Street Baptist Church. A horse-drawn caisson will carry Joel to his final resting place at Pinelawn Memory Gardens

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is honored to assist the Martin family with services.