Cyrus Martin Jr.

Cyrus Griffin Martin Jr., 81, passed away Wednesday May 28, 2014. He was born on June 17, 1932, son of the late Rosalind Ewing Martin and Cyrus Griffin Martin, Sr., a very prominent family from Chattanooga. He served in the U.S. Navy on board the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown during the Korean War. After serving on the board of directors for the USS Yorktown Association in Charleston, S.C. He was elected president and served over 23 years in that capacity. Mr. Martin Jr. was presented the Award of Merit for his tireless work to insure that every sailor, regardless of rank, was assured his welcome aboard ship to find his name on the watch quarter of the association. He was a member of the Chattanooga American Legion Post 0148 for over 37 years. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA, because he believed every person has the right to bear arms against his enemy. For many years he worked tirelessly with the Boy Scouts of America as a troop leader, earning the prestigious Vigil of the Order of the Arrow, and helped form and shape many young men to become honest and dependable men of character. Mr. Martin, Jr. was of the Presbyterian faith. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Martha V. Martin and three sons, Jeffery A. Martin, Alexander Cuzzort III, Rus Martin; daughter, Nancy Haynes; sister, Mary Ewing Tucker; grandchildren, B.J. Cuzzort, Heather Cuzzort, Courtney Morgan, Zachary Cuzzort; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Martin Jr. was preceded in death by his son, Benjy Cuzzort; brother, Fred Wilson; and sister, Doris Rath. A Kind and Gentle man that was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed! Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. EDT Monday, June 2, 2014, in the chapel with Rev. Robert Goff officiating. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors. Family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. until service time at Ryan Funeral Home, Trenton, Ga.