1957
Donnie
2023
Donnie Lee Martin
November 26, 1957 — December 14, 2023
Donnie Lee Martin, a man who could light up a room with his laughter and croon a tune to warm the coldest of hearts, has taken his final curtain call on December 14, 2023. Born in Greenville, SC, on November 26, 1957, Donnie's journey came full circle as he passed away in the same vibrant city that first heard his infectious giggle.
He was the son of the late Joseph and Christine Martin, a brother among siblings, and an uncle to nieces and nephews who adored him. Donnie was the comedic glue in a family that included his sister, Patricia (and her husband David) Martin Green, and his brother, Robert Martin. He was predeceased by his brothers Thomas and Joseph Martin, and his sister Linda Wharton, but their shared memories continued to echo in his stories and jokes. Nieces and nephews, especially Cawane Martin and Toby Martin Harris, will miss their fun-loving uncle who taught them the true art of pulling off a harmless prank.
Donnie was a man who lived for the simple pleasures: the soulful voice of Al Green, a melody that could move mountains, and the joy of singing, whether in tune or not. He had a song for every occasion, and even if he didn't, he'd make one up on the spot. His passion for music was only rivaled by his natural talent for making people laugh. He was the kind of guy who could find humor in the mundane, a trait that made even a trip to the grocery store an adventure.
Describing Donnie as loving, funny, and spirited is like saying the Grand Canyon is just a hole in the ground. It's an understatement. He was the heart of every party, the jester in every court, and the friend everyone wished they had. His spirit was a spark that ignited laughter and joy in those around him.
Donnie's life was a series of punchlines and poignant moments, all wrapped up in a package that was impossible not to love. His quick wit and easy smile were his trademarks, and he carried them with grace and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was the man who could tell a joke that would have you laughing until you cried and then, with the same breath, offer a shoulder to cry on.
To the world, he might have been just one person, but to his friends and family, he was the world. Donnie's legacy is not one of material possessions, but of cherished moments, belly laughs, and a love that stretched far beyond his years. He was a man who knew that the best things in life aren't things at all, but the memories we make with the people we love.
As we bid farewell to Donnie Lee Martin, let's not say goodbye but rather, "See you later." For a man like Donnie, with a spirit so vibrant, is never truly gone. He lives on in every note of music we hear, in every joke we retell, and in the warmth of our smiles when we remember him. So here's to Donnie—a man who sang like no one was listening, danced like nobody was watching, and lived every day as though it were a gift. Because, in his eyes, it was.
This obituary is protected by the Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” which has been designed to guard against the unauthorized reproduction or redistribution, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the funeral home. The Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” has been established to help the funeral home and the families we serve protect the dignity and respect for the deceased and the Integrity of Funeral Service against any third-party commercialization. The use of this written work is strictly prohibited, whether that be through illegal means of electronically or manually scraping this obituary for monetary or non-monetary gain, from any site where this obituary is posted. Our goal is to stop the gathering of well-intended words of condolences and support on these third-party sites that will never make it to their intended audience at a time when families can use them the most. As with all written works, this obituary is protected under copyright laws, and any infringements will be reported to the authorities and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
He was the son of the late Joseph and Christine Martin, a brother among siblings, and an uncle to nieces and nephews who adored him. Donnie was the comedic glue in a family that included his sister, Patricia (and her husband David) Martin Green, and his brother, Robert Martin. He was predeceased by his brothers Thomas and Joseph Martin, and his sister Linda Wharton, but their shared memories continued to echo in his stories and jokes. Nieces and nephews, especially Cawane Martin and Toby Martin Harris, will miss their fun-loving uncle who taught them the true art of pulling off a harmless prank.
Donnie was a man who lived for the simple pleasures: the soulful voice of Al Green, a melody that could move mountains, and the joy of singing, whether in tune or not. He had a song for every occasion, and even if he didn't, he'd make one up on the spot. His passion for music was only rivaled by his natural talent for making people laugh. He was the kind of guy who could find humor in the mundane, a trait that made even a trip to the grocery store an adventure.
Describing Donnie as loving, funny, and spirited is like saying the Grand Canyon is just a hole in the ground. It's an understatement. He was the heart of every party, the jester in every court, and the friend everyone wished they had. His spirit was a spark that ignited laughter and joy in those around him.
Donnie's life was a series of punchlines and poignant moments, all wrapped up in a package that was impossible not to love. His quick wit and easy smile were his trademarks, and he carried them with grace and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was the man who could tell a joke that would have you laughing until you cried and then, with the same breath, offer a shoulder to cry on.
To the world, he might have been just one person, but to his friends and family, he was the world. Donnie's legacy is not one of material possessions, but of cherished moments, belly laughs, and a love that stretched far beyond his years. He was a man who knew that the best things in life aren't things at all, but the memories we make with the people we love.
As we bid farewell to Donnie Lee Martin, let's not say goodbye but rather, "See you later." For a man like Donnie, with a spirit so vibrant, is never truly gone. He lives on in every note of music we hear, in every joke we retell, and in the warmth of our smiles when we remember him. So here's to Donnie—a man who sang like no one was listening, danced like nobody was watching, and lived every day as though it were a gift. Because, in his eyes, it was.
This obituary is protected by the Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” which has been designed to guard against the unauthorized reproduction or redistribution, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the funeral home. The Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funerals, “Project Safe Obituary Program” has been established to help the funeral home and the families we serve protect the dignity and respect for the deceased and the Integrity of Funeral Service against any third-party commercialization. The use of this written work is strictly prohibited, whether that be through illegal means of electronically or manually scraping this obituary for monetary or non-monetary gain, from any site where this obituary is posted. Our goal is to stop the gathering of well-intended words of condolences and support on these third-party sites that will never make it to their intended audience at a time when families can use them the most. As with all written works, this obituary is protected under copyright laws, and any infringements will be reported to the authorities and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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