Richard Ansel Martin, Sr., 81, of Newberry, widower of Edna Marie Martin, died Saturday, October 31, 2020 at his residence.

Born on July 8, 1939 in Newberry, he was the son of the late Robert Ansel and Juliette Nicholson Martin. He served in the SC National Guard and was the founder of Bulldog Battery. Mr. Martin was a member of Cannon's Creek-Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder. He also was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for over forty years and was a Gideon.

He is survived by a son, Richard “Rick” (Fran) Martin, Jr. of Newberry; daughters, Donna (Michael) Bowden of Monroe, TN and Debra Jean (Steven) Shealy of Newberry; ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren and a dear friend, Annette Mann. He was predeceased by a sister, Lynette Sawyer and 2 great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Brett Blackman. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1:30 – 2:30 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Cannon's Creek- Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 14395 C.R. Koon Highway, Newberry, SC 29108.

Due to COVID 19 everyone is reminded of social distancing requirements and masks are encouraged.