Stephen F. Martin

Stephen Martin, aged 82, of Charlotte, N.C., joined his beloved wife Jeanne when he passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. He never fully recovered from her death in June last year.

Steve was born to Elizabeth “Betty” and Edward Martin in Minneapolis. He graduated from Washburn High School and went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. Steve’s younger years were a whirlwind of hockey, woodworking, and time at his dad’s “Shack” on Mud Lake in Osseo, M.N. (now part of Elm Creek Park Reserve). The Shack was the perfect spot for duck and pheasant hunting, and lots of parties.

Before graduating from the University, he married Jeanne, and five years later, in 1970, they welcomed their only daughter, Jessica. Hoping to be a Naval fighter pilot, Steve reported to Pensacola for basic training after graduating. His time was short, as he was granted an Honorable (Medical) Discharge due to his hearing.

His career began in earnest shortly after his return to Minneapolis, when he joined Ingersoll Rand in 1968. He was a sales engineer when he was transferred for the first time, to Pittsburgh, to cover the major steel companies. From there, IR moved the close-knit family to New Jersey and then São Paulo, Brazil. In 1977, he was relocated to work on IR’s Type 30 Small Compressor Division as part of the Marketing Team in Ky. Eventually landing in Charlotte on the 4th of July, 1980, Steve and Jeanne found their permanent home.

Shortly after arriving in Charlotte, Steve launched American IMC in the family’s dining room. The force behind the iconic BelAire compressors, the company grew, and the ABAC Group acquired it in 1994. When Steve retired from the rebranded ABAC, he founded Myers Park Clock Company in 2001, and devoted his full-time attention to his passion - selling, repairing, and building antique clocks. He amassed a tremendous client base over the next 20+ years - many of whom became close friends - and faithfully wound his personal collection of 45 clocks in a weekly Sunday night ritual.

Steve was a gregarious, independent thinker who loved taking memorable trips with family, cars - particularly his treasured pride and joy, the first car he and Jeanne bought, his 1966 Triumph TR4A, woodworking, stained glass, and being a little irreverent.

Steve is survived by his daughter Jessica M. Graham (Warren); grandson Stephen Davis Graham; brother Jim Martin; sister Betsy Jordahl (Stan); nieces Sarah Parrish and Frith Cote (Thomas); and nephew Robert Martin (Katia). He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne; parents; and brother Edward “Toby” Martin (Margaret).

The family is forever grateful to the many neighbors and friends who offered support to Steve over the past 10 months. They are especially thankful to Tina, Tim, Angela and Buffy for the tremendous care they have provided Steve since October.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 3 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Breakthrough T1D, Humane Society of Charlotte, or Lucky Labs Rescue.

Hankins and Whittington is assisting the family.