Fallen Hero: Retired Chief Master Sergeant Oscar Ray Martin

Meridian, MS

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Funeral Home

Robert Barham Family Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Airman and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on August 7, 2025 and has moved on to his heavenly home.  Retired Chief Master Sergeant Oscar Ray Martin, age 76, who had served within the MSANG within the 186th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 186th Refueling Wing has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.  Martin worked fulltime with the 186th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Airman.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Airman has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Airman for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:

Funeral services celebrating the life of Oscar Ray Martin will begin at 10:00 on Tuesday, August 12 at The Episcopal Church of the Mediator, with Mother Ezgi Perkins officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at The Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton. For the funeral procession, the family would like to extend an invitation for anyone with a classic car to come in it. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Martin, age 76, of Meridian passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at his residence.

Ray was born October 31, 1948 in Okolona, Mississippi to Sybil Clark Martin and Leander Martin. At the age of nine, he moved to Meehan, MS. He graduated from Enterprise High School, where he drove the school bus during his senior year. He had even been known to intentionally get stuck to help students miss tests. After graduating, he joined the Mississippi Air National Guard, honorably serving his country for forty-two years and nine months. Ray loved his job and the people that he worked with. He strived to be the best possible Aircraft Mechanic he could be, and because of his excellent service, he rose to the rank of Chief – the highest possible rank in maintenance. He retired in 2008 and has since enjoyed his life to the fullest. He especially enjoyed traveling in old cars. Ray cherished his time at The Church of The Mediator where he served as the Junior Warden in years past. He enjoyed being on the lake at Dalewood, boating, and patiently teaching his family and friends how to properly waterski. He was a devoted husband and father not only to his children but he was also a father-figure to his childrens’ friends. He was a proud grandfather and an exceptional friend who was honorable and full of integrity; he was truly the calm in any storm. He could fix anything, but he especially enjoyed working on motorcycles and old cars.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Vickie Barber Martin; children, Andrea Martin (Travis) and Drew Martin; grandchildren, Branton Martin, Atley Luster, Sunny Luster, and Blaide Luster; brother, Lee Martin (Linda); sister, Ann Sullivan (Tony); and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

In addition to flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Church of The Mediator West Hills Elementary Fund or to the Church of The Mediator’s youth fund.

There will be a vigil at The Episcopal Church of The Mediator beginning Monday evening at 6:30 and lasting until service time.