Charles Rogers Martin

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." ~ Proverbs 12:15

Charles Rogers Martin, age 84 of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Charles was born on August 17, 1940, in Austin, TX to J. Rodgers and Arlon Martin.  Charles attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and Doctorate in Law specializing in intellectual property law.  He worked as a patent attorney for Eastman Chemical Company for 30 years.  Charles also served as President of Kingsport Bar Association, and he was also a member of the Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Kingsport Bar Associations. Charles served for two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict as a Commanding Officer of a top-secret air defense missile installation in Germany.  On September 2, 2000, Charles married Belinda Adkins and for the next 24 years, they shared an amazing life together. 

Charles loved life and he loved traveling, especially to Europe, the Caribbean and Asia. He was an avid skier, runner, and fly fisherman. He also enjoyed cooking, wine tasting, and being involved with the Boy Scouts. Charles loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He always looked forward to making Christmas cookies and carving jack-o-lanterns with them. Charles was a life-long member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, and his most significant contribution to the church was preparation of the Daily Prayer Guide, in which he originally composed every single prayer. Charles’ sense of humor will truly be missed by all those who knew him. 

Charles was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Belinda Martin; son, Eric Martin; daughter, Heather Battleson and husband Dean; stepdaughter, Kristie Johnson and husband Anthony; grandchildren, Sullivan Martin, Zachery Battleson, and Taylor Linkous; step grandchildren, Nikkie Johnson, and Steven Johnson; sister, Suzanna Wallace and husband John; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. 

There will be a memorial service celebrating Charles’ life on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:00 pm at Carter Trent Funeral Home Kingsport with Reverend Jack Edwards officiating. 

Carter Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Martin family.