Dr. Joe Godwin Martin

Ripley, Mississippi--- Dr. Joe Godwin Martin 87, passed away at his home in Ripley, Mississippi on July 6, 2014. Dr. Martin was born July 29, 1926 to Joe and Joe Ella Godwin Martin in Ripley, MS. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Philippines. Dr. Joe graduated as Valedictorian of Ripley High School Class of 1943. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1949 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Graduated from Auburn University in 1953 as a Dr. of Veterinary Medicine. He served as Treasurer of the Baptist Student Union at both MSU an Auburn. He taught Agriculture at Chalybeate and Pine Grove Schools. He opened his practice in Ripley and for many years was the only Veterinarian in three counties, Tippah , Benton, Marshall. Dr. Martin was a member and past President of the MS Veterinary Medical Association and a lifelong member of the American Veterinary Medical Assn. He donated "Bully 16" the 16th bulldog to MSU and now this is the "Bully" that is featured on all current posters and pictures. Dr. Martin was a very active and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Ripley where he taught Sunday School for over 45 years. His survivors include: One son: Dr. Joe Hines Martin of Chattanooga, TN: Three daughters: Millie Renfroe (Steve) of Brandon, MS: Melanie Hickman (Steve) of Tupelo, MS: Leslie Walter (Tommy) of Ripley, MS: Nine grandchildren: Scarlett Nicely of Chattanooga, TN: Allison Callahan of Huntsville, AL: Ashleigh Hannah of Brandon, MS: Chase Renroe of Brandon, MS: Martin Hickman (Cass) of Nashville, TN: Cody Hickman (Amy) of Tupelo, MS: James, Sarah, John Thomas Walter all of Ripley, MS: Two great-grandchildren: Saffley and Oliver Hickman: He was preceded in death by: His wife: Edith Christine Hines Martin: His parents: One brother: Howard Martin: One sister: Mildred Martin: Pallbearers will be: His Grandchildren: Honorary pallbearers will be: Charles Brown, J.P. Shackelford: The Members of the Men's Faith Sunday School Class Adult IV of First Baptist Church. To send flowers to the family of Dr. Joe Martin, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Dr. Joe Godwin Martin

July 29, 1926 - July 6, 2014