Walter Martin Poyner Jr. was born on September 27, 1935 to William Martin Poyner and Nellie Owens Williams in Moyock, North Carolina. As a young boy, Martin and his friends explored and hunted in the Great Dismal Swamp of North Carolina. They became so familiar with the swamp that the Army called upon the young boys to help in finding downed airplanes hidden within.

Growing up, Martin worked at his father's country store. Eventually, he left Moyock for Louisburg College where he played baseball, a passion he would pass on to his son. Later, Martin transferred to High Point College, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Gail Guyer. They were married in 1958 and celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary last year with their children: Billy and Lynn, alongside Billy's wife, Michele, and Lynn's fiancé, Richard and their beloved grandchildren: Carlin Victoria, Finley Rose, Reed Wilson, and Cade Sanderlin. Martin adored his grandchildren and cheered them on in all of their endeavors. He shared a close relationship with each of them and valued only his relationship with God above his family.

Martin also served his country as a Specialist Four E-4 in the NC Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1964. After teaching and coaching at Trinity High School for a while, Martin switched career paths to become a successful sales representative for Thomasville Furniture Industries, a choice that took his family from North Carolina to Florida.

After graduating college, Martin's son, Billy, decided to return to Jacksonville, Florida to be near his father in the hopes of sharing his love of the Lord with him. Billy began working as the youth pastor for Monument Point Fellowship Church (MPF), where Martin and Marilyn soon came to attend. It was during this time that Martin came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, growing to become a loving and devoted disciple of the Lord and an example of selfless love and servitude to MPF and the entire Jacksonville community. Martin had the gift of hospitality and shared it openly. Additionally, one of his favorite events was Santa Lamm through the David Lamm Foundation which he assisted in organizing each year along with Marilyn. Martin enjoyed golf, travel, college sports and pro football. His greatest joy was found in his grandchildren and anyone who spent any time with Martin would hear about his love for Carlin, Finley, Reed and Cade.

Martin entered the Lord's rest on September 16, 2019, joining Marilyn in his eternal home. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters and brother-in-law, Clara Reese Whitehurst (Jack) and Alice Owens Faircloth. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and his brother-in-law, Harry Faircloth. He will be remembered lovingly and missed immensely by all who knew him and were the recipients of his selfless love and care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday September 27th at Monument Point Fellowship, 13720 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Jacksonville, FL.  Pastor John C. Phillips will be officiating.