Arcie V. Martin, 89, died Dec. 12, 2011, at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center in Augusta, Ga.

He was a resident of Calera until he moved to Augusta in 2007 to live with his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Martin.

Mr. Martin was born and raised in rural Shelby County and was a member of the first graduating class at Calera High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  For the next 35 years, he was employed as welding foreman by Pullman Car Manufacturing Company in Bessemer.  He was a devoted and valued member of Calera First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, serving in every position of responsibility available.  For many years he chaired the board of directors of the Calera Housing Authority.  He was an ardent hunter, expert woodsman and skilled craftsman.  He could grow, fix or build anything.  Widely known for his thoughtful acts of kindness, Mr. Martin was a good friend and neighbor.

Most of all, he was a loving and devoted husband and father who always put his family before his own needs and comfort.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tommie, and is survived by his daughter, Sandra Dover and her husband, J.C; his son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Sharron; grandsons, Sgt. Trent Martin and Sgt. Jonathan Martin; granddaughter, Angela Fulmer; five great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec. 15 at Calera First United Methodist Church at 1 p.m.  The funeral will be officiated by the Rev. Terry Hill, and it will begin at 2 p.m.

You may leave online condolences on the guest registry for the family at martinfuneralhomeinc.com.

Martin Funeral Home directing.