Johnny O'Neal Martin, Sr.

Johnny O’Neal Martin Sr., 89 of West Columbia passed away October 21, 2022 after a brief illness. Born in rural Orangeburg County August 25, 1933, he was the fourth of six children of John D. and Alice S. Martin of Woodford, SC. He was educated at North High School before working for the Seaboard Railroad. He then served in the U.S. Army at Forts Jackson and Bragg from 1953-1954. He married in 1954, later enrolling at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. His skills would be employed by South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. for more than three decades in the design and maintenance of an expanding system providing electricity to residential and commercial customers. He would retire a senior division engineer. He was a founding member of the Saluda River Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and in various capacities. For many years, he coached Little League baseball teams in West Columbia. His retirement brought years of gardening, travel and the delight of grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Vernell Neese Martin of Swansea; daughters Wanda Martin of West Columbia, Susan M. Rutkowski and husband, Frank, of Chapin; son Johnny O. Martin Jr. of Cayce; granddaughter Lindsay Martin, married to John Minner; grandsons Ryan Martin and Alec Rutkowski; and granddaughter Rachel Rutkowski. He was preceded in death by an infant sister, brothers Adrian and Gerald Martin of Woodford, brother Rodney of Rockmart, GA and sister Betty M. Whitman of Eufaula, AL. Funeral services will be held at Saluda River Baptist Church, 3459 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC on Tuesday October 25 at 11 a.m., followed by a brief graveside service at nearby Woodridge Memorial Park at 138 Corley Mill Road. The casket will be placed in the church one hour before the service on Tuesday. Family will receive visitors Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saluda River Baptist Church fellowship hall and will be in the sanctuary prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Saluda River Baptist Church Family Life Center. Culler-McAlhany Funeral Home (www.mcalhanyfuneralhome.com) in North is in charge of arrangements.