Dr. Benjamin Joseph Martin, Jr., 73, of Parkton, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville.

Born May 4, 1952, in Robeson County, NC, Dr. Martin was the son of Lucy Garner Smith Martin and the late Benjamin Joseph Martin, Sr.

Dr. Martin dedicated his life to faith, education, and service. He was a former pastor serving congregations in North Carolina and Virginia. He also faithfully served as a teacher in the public school system, including St. Pauls High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Science from East Carolina University and later received a Doctorate in Theology from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Throughout his life, he was passionate about mentoring young people and ministering to others.

He enjoyed refereeing and umpiring sports and remained active in his community. Dr. Martin grew up in the Grays Creek community and carried those roots with him throughout his life.

Dr. Martin is survived by his loving wife, Diane Lawing Martin of the home; his son, Christopher Michael Martin (Melinda) of Bailey, NC; his daughter, Amanda Martin Mangus (Todd) of Simpsonville, SC; two grandchildren, Taylor Mangus and Logan Mangus; his mother, Lucy Martin; and four sisters, Mary Anne Martin Howell (Robert) of Grays Creek, Marsha Martin Wilkinson (David) of Raleigh, Fran Martin Sondergaard (Jason) of Grays Creek, and Amy Martin Hall (Travis) of Grays Creek. He is also survived by a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Royce Williams will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Parkton Cemetery.