John Travis Martin, 63, of Athens, went to his heavenly home on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at his residence. He was born in Franklin and was a resident of McMinn County since 1953. A born-again Christian, he was a member of New Zion Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, song leader and Sunday school teacher. A graduate of Etowah High School, he served in the U.S. Army and was retired from Bowater Southern Paper Corporation. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, scuba diving and camping. He was a son of the late William Clayton and Dora Elizabeth Reynolds Martin. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Aileen Watson Martin of Athens; two daughters and one son-in-law, Beth Martin and Amy and Chris Bridwell, all of Athens; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jim Martin of Athens, and Joe and T.J. Martin of Etowah; grandchildren, Dakota Bridwell, Carley Martin, Tristan Martin, Justin Martin, Zac Bridwell, Alex Martin, Kathy Bridwell, Aleena Martin, Rylee Martin, Kyndal Martin and one on the way, John Everett Martin; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Betty Lou Thomas and Diane Martin and Lawrence Minor, all of Ten Mile, and Mary and Dale Radford of Athens; and three brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Hazel Martin of Trussville, Ala., Stan and Peggy Martin of Athens, and Bobby and Tammy Martin of New York City, N.Y. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at New Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Tom Triplett and the Rev. Michael Coleman officiating. The body will lie in-state from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in New Zion Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.