Charles Lee Martin was born January 28, 1948, to the late Ada D. Wilkes and the late Henry Martin. He was preceded in death by a younger brother, Willie L. Williams.

Charles was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School where he was a member of the photography club and an outstanding member of the Booker T. Washington Yellow Jackets Basketball Team. He pursued a degree in Physical Education at Alabama State University in Montgomery until he was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War.

Charles married his high school sweetheart, Betty Hill and they became the parents of one son, Roderick.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Betty Martin of Vallejo, California; son, Roderick Martin of San Francisco, California; seven brothers, Chester Williams, the Rev. Lionel Davis (Sallie), Darryl Thomas of Montgomery; Eugene Thomas, Jr. (Melinda) of Jacksonville, Florida; Frederick Williams of Americus, Georgia; Grover Martin of Detroit, Michigan; Eugene Martin of Arlington, Virginia; seven sisters, Claresa Thomas of Montgomery; Gloria Jean Thomas of Alberta; Yvonne Martin of Valdosta, Georgia; Diana Martin, Barbara Martin, Virginia Pitts and Elizabeth Coleman of Selma; and a host of nieces, other relatives and friends.