Lawrence "Parker" Martin, 79, of Columbia, died Monday, April 10, 2023 at Lexington Medical Center.

Born on March 14, 1944 in Newberry, he was a son of the late George William and Mildred Powell Martin.

A Newberry High School graduate, Parker attended Brevard College and Georgia Southern University. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Following college, Parker founded and operated Martin Tire and Retreading Company in Newberry before joining the Maintenance Supply Company in Huntersville, NC. He became the Southeastern Regional Manager of sales for Cleaning Technologies Group, and retired from National Accounts with Safety-Kleen. Twice, he served as the Vice President for the SC Tire Dealer and Retreading Association. Parker was proud of his career – his accomplishments and the friendships he made.

He was active in his community, giving of his time and talents. He served in the SC National Guard. He was President of both the Newberry Jaycees and the Newberry College Indian Club. He was supportive of athletics, often attending games as a 'vocal spectator'. He had a strong faith and served as a deacon of Northeast Presbyterian Church in Columbia, where he was a member.

Parker enjoyed being in the presence of friends and family. Sporting events, golfing, or traveling – he always had a smile to share with others. He was especially fond of anything that involved beach music and the opportunity to dance 'the shag' with Anne. He was proud of his family and loved them dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Anne Carraway Martin; children, Elizabeth (Scott) Shook of Elgin, Rich (Michele) Arnold of Atlanta, and Michael Arnold of Columbia; grandchildren, Will Arnold, Claire Arnold, Alex Shook, Riley Shook, and Harrison Shook; and sister-in-law, Linda Martin of Brownsboro, Alabama.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, LTC. William "Bill" Oliver Martin.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 14 from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm at Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College Street, Newberry.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Eric Walter at 2:00 pm, Friday at Central United Methodist Church, 1005 College Street, Newberry. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens, 15127 CR Koon Highway, Newberry.

In honor of Parker's joyful spirit, the family invites everyone to wear bright springtime colors.

Pallbearers will be Steve Grimshaw, Bill Wiseman, Jim Bennett, Johnny Rucker, Ronny Yonce, Rhett Frazier, Sonny Ringer, and John Paul Whitaker.

Honorary pallbearers are Larry Dibiase and Jim Norris.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family here on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Martin family.