Mr. Ronnie Sephes Martin, age 77, of York, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Broad River Baptist Church, 2315 Legion Road, Smyrna, SC 29743. A celebration of Ronnie’s life will follow the visitation, with Reverend Paul Willey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Ronnie was born on January 2, 1949, in York, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Grady Sephes Martin and Hazel Ford Martin. A proud graduate of Hickory Grove High School, Ronnie also served his country in the South Carolina National Guard. He faithfully served his Lord and Savior as a member of Broad River Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee, deacon, and Sunday School teacher over the years. His love for music led him to share his rich bass voice with the church choir, Kindred Spirits, and the Community Singers.
Ronnie was the catcher for Hickory Grove High School’s baseball team and later enjoyed playing church softball. He was the owner and operator of Martin Home Improvements, where he earned a reputation for his hard work, craftsmanship, and integrity.
He was happiest spending his days in his pasture or working in his workshop, with his faithful Gator-riding, pasture-loving companion, Patches, always by his side. Ronnie’s life reflected unwavering faith, quiet strength, and a love for serving others. He leaves behind a legacy of music, service, and cherished memories. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is in the presence of his Savior, where his song continues for eternity.
Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Jane McDaniel Martin; his daughters, Rhonda Martin Devinney (Chris) and Tiffany Blackmon (Todd); his cherished grandchildren, Olivia Harris (Brandon), Austin Devinney (Abbi), Rylan Blackmon, and Colton Devinney; and his brother, Randell Martin.
In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his sister, Teresa Gale Martin.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Olivia Harris for the around-the-clock love, care, and support she provided to her Paw Paw over the past several months. They would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to Demetrius, Melissa, Kendall, and Carroll of the Lake Wylie Agape Care Group for their compassionate care and kindness.
In memory of Ronnie, memorials may be made to Broad River Baptist Church, 2315 Legion Road, Smyrna, SC 29743, or to Agape Care, 4381 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.
Friends and family are invited to share their condolences online at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home of York, South Carolina, is honored to serve the Martin family during this time of loss.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
