Roll Call Tribute

Edward Taylor Martin, Sr. 

January 30, 1949 - September 4, 2023 

Edward Taylor Martin, Sr. was born on January 30, 1949, and quietly departed from labor to reward with his family by his side on September 4, 2023.

He was born to the late Mr. Frank and Eunice Martin of Memphis, TN. They knew God had predestined him for great things; and throughout his life, Edward walked in that greatness. He began his walk with Christ at an early age at Macedonia M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor L. D. McGhee. Edward let God use him from that day forth as a husband, father, brother, engineer, trustee, advisor, craftsman, and friend.

While at Hamilton High School, he met a young lady he was destined to spend his life with, Arbrodo J. (Broda) Simpson. They were joined in holy matrimony on December 30, 1972. Later they were blessed with two beautiful children, Angela and Edward II.

As a young man in the south, in the late 1960s, Edward became one of the first black students to live on the campus of Christian Brothers College (later becoming a university) in Memphis, Tennessee. He walked in boldness, as he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1971. Since excellence was part of Edward’s DNA, he never settled for just enough. This led him to obtain his Master of Engineering with a specialty in Industrial Engineering in 1973 from Texas A&M University. His stellar education and brilliant mind gained the attention of the Department of the Army, Tank Automotive Command in Warren, MI where he worked for four years. In 1977, Edward moved his family to Niceville, FL where he worked for the Department of Defense at Eglin Air Force Base. After becoming an Operations Research Analyst, Edward retired after 31 years in 2008.

Anyone in Edward’s circle knew that his love for his family was paramount. Edward’s love for his family began at a young age where he learned the value of taking care of others from his parents. Christmas in July became the holiday of choice when he joined with his brothers to spread joy throughout South Memphis by cutting down trees, laying floors and repairing houses for anyone in need.

He was committed and intentional about being God’s representative on earth for his family. The golden marriage (50 years) to Broda was filled with love and laughter, trials and triumph. Edward and Broda were excited about retirement life until Edwards’s cancer diagnosis in 2008. Being the resilient man that he was, he didn’t let this stop him from enjoying life. As an avid sports enthusiast, he continued to enjoy running, watching local and regional games; professionally and those of his children, spending time with his family, and travel because he believed God still had more for him to do here on this side of heaven. Many memories were made traveling around the world to Barre, Italy; Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Marten, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Land O Lakes, FL, Chicago, IL and Oahu, Hawaii. He also continued as a faithful trustee at Beulah First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor S.L. Thigpen. Edward’s legacy will always live in the God fearing, caring, and confident children he raised. Edward continued these things until his health no longer allowed him.

Preceding him in death were his parents: Frank and Eunice Martin, brothers: Frank Martin, Willie Martin, and Lee Martin; sisters: Marie Reed and Gwendolyn Martin; mother-in-law: Martha Randle; brother-in-law Ronald Randle. To cherish his memories his leaves his loving and devoted wife Arbrodo Martin; daughter Angela Martin; son Edward (Naja) Martin; grandchildren: Destin and Umi Martin; brothers: Arthur Martin, Milton (Linda) Martin, and Henry Martin, and sisters: Clara Hussey; Earnice (John) Love, Brendolyn Bradley; sister-in-law Eartha (James) Boyd; brothers-in-law: Joe (Lou Isa) Randle, Dale (Pamela) Kelsey, James Starks (Mary, beloved partner) and Tracey (Amber) Starks. And a host of precious nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.