Charles Gary Martin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Gary Martin, 84, of Jasper, Alabama, who passed away peacefully at his home on October 23, 2026.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Collins-Burke Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will be at Walker Memory Gardens at a later date.

Gary graduated from Oakman High School and went on to earn a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Throughout his career, he dedicated his life to education, serving as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. He touched the lives of countless students and athletes, leaving behind memories and lessons that would last a lifetime.

Gary was a nationally known coon hunter who had a lifelong love for the outdoors. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially mowing grass, coon hunting, watching Cordova and Alabama football, and enjoying a good slice of lemon pie or a bowl of ice cream.

Although he graduated as an Oakman Wildcat, Gary became a proud Cordova Blue Devil while cheering on three of his grandsons as they played football and baseball. Few things brought him greater joy than watching his grandsons compete, and he was always one of their biggest fans. His love for his family and his pride in their accomplishments were evident to everyone who knew him.

Above all, Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved his family dearly and treasured the time spent with those closest to him. He will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for the things he enjoyed, and the many memories he leaves behind.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, James Ann Humphries Martin; his son, John Wesley Martin, his parents, Melvin and Juanita Martin; and his brother Johnny Martin.

He is survived by his daughters, Gari Leigh Martin Minor (Chuck) and Jamie D. Martin, Phar.D.; his grandchildren, Charles Wesley Minor, MD (Ashlyn), Andrew Minor, PE (Ashlyn, MD), Patrick Minor (Allie), McKenzie Jones, and James Martin; his precious great-granddaughter, Eleanor Minor, with two more great-grandchildren on the way, and his brother, Roy Martin, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, former student players and lifelong friends.

Gary leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a family who loved him deeply, and a legacy that will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Though he will be greatly missed, the love, laughter, and memories he shared will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Whether remembered as Coach Martin, High Dollar, or simply Gary, he will be remembered for the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the stories that will continue to be told for years to come.

In lieu of donations, gifts can be made to Walker Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 171, Jasper, AL 35502.