Mr. Samuel Master Martin

Mr. Samuel Master Martin of Tampa, FL, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 8525 N. 78th Street, Tampa, FL 33637, with Rev. Kaleb D. Barnum, Eulogist.

Samuel Master Martin was born on August 23, 1953, in Tampa, Florida, to the late Master Martin and Jesse Lacy. Affectionately known to family and friends as “Bay Bro,” Samuel grew up in West Tampa and attended Hillsborough County Public Schools. He graduated from Tampa Bay Technical High School in 1971, where he played football and developed a lifelong love for the game. An avid football fan, Samuel was a devoted Tampa Bay Buccaneers season ticket holder for several years until his health declined.

Following high school, Samuel proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, completing two tours in Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1973. After his military service, he joined the Asbestos Union and worked as an Asbestos Journeyman and Contractor at Tampa Electric Company’s Big Bend Station.

Samuel leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted partner of 10 years, Denise Franklin; one daughter, Dawn Monique Barnum (Rev. Kaleb D. Barnum); two sons, Darryl Wayne Martin and Samuel Martin II (Candace); one bonus son, Leon Kellman; two sisters, Sheryl Nolen and Sandra Rusher (Jewel, preceded in death); twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four nephews; two nieces; sixteen great-nieces and great-nephews; one goddaughter, Nanci Arnette Harper; and a host of other relatives and friends, including longtime high school friend, Willie Garland.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Samuel Master Martin, please visit our floral store.