Roy S. Martin, 89, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away at the home he shared with his daughter, Ethel Alexander, on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.

Roy was born on July 3, 1922 in New London, CT where he grew up in a home on the Thames River with his Mother Ethel Wright and his father William “Bill” Martin. Roy had two brothers, Howard and William who are both deceased. He attended Robert E. Fitch High School and graduated in 1940. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron 20th Fighter Group in 1943. He retired from the Southern New England Telephone Company in 1980 after 34 years of service. Roy met his wife Betty at the telephone company where she was an operator. Roy and Betty spent most of their lives in a home on the Thames River in Gales Ferry where they raised their family. Roy enjoyed sword fishing and named his fishing boat after his wife “The Betty M”. They were married for 62 years. Roy and Betty moved to Punta Gorda 31 years ago. Roy had a very rewarding volunteer career while in Punta Gorda. Helping others was his life. He played the harmonica with his dear friend Jim Burns at many local events, and performed the National Anthem before the Fourth of July Charlotte Stone Crabs game in 2011. He was a member of the church choir at Christ Community Methodist Church. He was a member of the Power Squadron, repaired Talking Books for the Blind and delivered meals for “Meals on Wheels”. His real passion was flying and he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol where he flew many missions as a crew member.

Roy is survived by his daughter, Ethel Alexander, of Punta Gorda, FL, his sister-in-law, Mary; nieces Kathleen Martin, Nadine Ledger and Linda Daugherty; four nephews, Howard, Tommy, William and Bruce Martin; and Betty’s cousin, Janice of Dallas, GA. Roy was very close to his Ethel’s step family, from Greenville, NC, Tim and Heather Jackson and their daughter Skyeler, the Jackson family from Pinetops NC, Debra and Bill Lewis, and Phil Alexander all of whom he adored. Roy is preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty Sharp who passed away on April 3, 2009 and his son Roy McKinnon Martin who passed away in 1999. Roy loved his church family and made lifetime friends who supported him and loved him. He will be missed by us all.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:00PM, Saturday, April 7, 2012 at the Christ Community United Methodist Church, 27000 Sunnybrook Rd, Harbour Heights, Punta Gorda, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christ Community United Methodist Church at the address above.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the guestbook and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.