Elmer Lee "E.L." Martin, 82, of Englewood, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, in the same community where he was born on June 5, 1943. Born at home in Englewood, he was the oldest of nine children to the late D.C. and Frances Martin.

E.L. was a proud and dedicated 50-year member of the Carpenters Local Union 74. He was also a Master Mason of Manila Lodge No. 633 under the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Tennessee, as well as a 50-year member of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Tennessee. His commitment to his craft, his lodge, and his community was unwavering and deeply meaningful to him. E.L. was of the Church of God faith.

A master carpenter and long-time construction superintendent, E.L. worked throughout many Southeastern states, earning a reputation for exceptional skill, integrity, and dependability. He built his own home on his beloved 40 acres, as well as the home where his children grew up, work that reflected both his craftsmanship and his love for his family. Farming was a lifelong passion. Nothing meant more to him than working his land, raising cattle, and tending to the farm he loved. He found peace and purpose in the simple rhythm of the fields and the responsibility of caring for his herd.

E.L. was known for being both "stubborn" and a sweetheart—labels he wore with charm. He enjoyed teasing, joking, he was one of the best storytellers around. Whether those stories made you laugh, sit in amazement, or shake your head, he told them with unmatched detail. His memory stretched so far back that he could retell moments from 70 years ago as if they had happened yesterday. Beneath his grit and stubbornness was a deep love for his family. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the history of the Martin family.

He is survived by his children, Keith Martin and his wife, Debbie, of Etowah, Tennessee; Melissa "Missy" Griffin and her husband, Chris, of Hixson, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Morgan Strozak McCroskey and her husband, Jason, of Chattanooga, TN; Brooke Martin Haugen and her husband, Jordan, of Athens, TN and Mattie Strozak of Chattanooga, TN; and his great- grandchildren, Luna and Roman McCroskey of Chattanooga, TN and baby girl on the way, Emily Anne Haugen. He is also survived by his siblings, David Martin of Englewood, TN; Alice Martin Crawford and her husband, Homer, of Madisonville, TN; Joyce Martin Huckabee and her husband, David, of Englewood, TN; David Martin of Englewood, TN, Jane Martin of Englewood, TN and Shirley Ivens of Englewood, TN.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wayne Martin, Ralph Martin, and Tommy Martin.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at Hospice of Chattanooga for their exceptional support and compassionate care. We also wish to thank the devoted group of women who lovingly cared to E.L. during his final weeks – Karen, Ashley, Alexis, Kathy, Debbie and Valerie – each of whom brought comfort, dignity and kindness into his days.

The family would also like to give special recognition to his sister, Alice Crawford, whose exceptional devotion and gentle care were a constant blessing to E.L. She tenderly looked after him in ways only a sister could, and her love will always be remembered.

A masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Bordwine Funeral Home in Etowah, Tennessee.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday prior to the service.

Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 5th at the funeral home and will go in procession to Sunrise Cemetery for the 11:00 a.m. committal service.

Above all, E.L. leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep loyalty, simple wisdom, and a love for family that will carry on through every generation who calls him theirs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Masons or Eastern Star of Manila Lodge, No. 633, 249 Co. Rd. 158 Riceville, TN 37370.