Deacon Curtis Martin Jr, age 91, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 15, 2026 peacefully in the comfort of his home.  Curtis was born on March 27,1935 in Taylor, Mississippi, to the late Curtis Martin Sr. and Lellar (nee: Carrothers)  Martin. He was the eldest of ten children. After graduating from Weem High school in 1952, he moved to Racine, WI the following year.  He became gainfully employed at J.I. Case January 16 ^th, 1956 for thirty-five years, until retirement. During his time of employment, Curtis also opened his own auto and salvage company, Martin's Auto Service.  His company is recognized as one of the first two black-owned salvage companies in Racine, WI.  Early in life, Curtis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and        became a faithful member of Little Macedonia Church of God in Christ.  He became a dedicated Deacon for 61 years, served on the board of trustees, and became president of YPWW for many years.  It was at church in 1985 that Curtis met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Martin.  They were united in holy matrimony on January 11, 1986.  From this union Curtis and Patricia had one daughter, Paige Adrienne Martin. Curtis also fathered 10 older children from his first marriage: Billie, Virginia, Carolyn, Jeff,  Napoleon, Richard, Keith, Michael, Jessie Ray, and Eric Martin.  In addition to church and family life, Curtis enjoyed antique car shows, traveling, yardwork for home and church; but more than anything, he loved spending time with family and friends.  Curtis is survived by his daughters, Paige (Edward Gamble) Martin and Virginia Ann Martin.  He is also survived by his sons: Billie, Richard, Michael (Rene), Eric (Missy) all of Racine, WI; Jeff and Keith (April) of Atlanta, Georgia and Napoleon Martin of Oakland, CA; many grandchildren, greats, and great-greats, too numerous to name; sisters, Lelia Carothers and Frances Ramsey of Racine, WI; brother, Hubert (Niecey) Martin of Racine, WI; brother-in-law, James (Elores) Chones of Cleveland, Ohio; sister-in-law, Sylvia Hargrove of Little Rock, Arkansas, Julia Martin of Racine, Wi and Yvonne Chones of Merrillville, Indiana; favorite nephew, Darvin Martin, Racine, WI.  In addition to his parents, Curtis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Martin; daughter, Carolyn Martin; son, Jessie Ray Martin; brothers, Joel, Edward, and Carvin Martin; sisters, Shirley, Ossie, and Reatha Martin; brothers-in-law, Marvin Chones of  Merrillville, Indiana and Albert Woods; sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Woods, Jesse Mae Martin, Dorothy Rae Martin and Sherry Chones of Racine, WI; special cousin, Charles Martin; brother-in-Christ, James Ollie McCoy and special nephew, David Martin.  A special thanks to Crystal Hall, Princess Gray, Bunney Gray, Dartavia Martin, Venice King, Howdy, the entire Lue & Gamble Family, Shakiya Hall and Horizon Palliative/Hospice Team for assisting with caring for Curtis we deeply  appreciate your time and compassion you all gave.  Homegoing Celebration for Curtis Martin Jr. will be held at Little Macedonia COGIC, 3309 Kearney Avenue, Mt. Pleasant WI 53403 on FRIDAY, May 29, 2026 .  Viewing is at 10:00am and Service is at 11:00 am with Pastor Jeffrey Goodman officiating. Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Miracle Center, 1100 Grand   Avenue, Racine, WI 53403.

Service Details

Homegoing Celebration for Curtis Martin Jr. will be held at Little Macedonia COGIC, 3309 Kearney Avenue, Mt. Pleasant WI 53403 on FRIDAY, MAY 29th, 2026.  Viewing is at 10:00am and Service is at 11:00 am with Pastor Jeffrey Goodman officiating.  Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Miracle Center, 1100 Grand Avenue, Racine, WI 53403.