Richard “Rick”  Martin, 52, of Warrior, passed away March 21, 2012. Rick attended Hayden High School and graduated in 1978. In his senor year, he received the DECA award for salesmanship and competed in Washington, D.C. in the national title. He served his apprenticeship and was a journeyman in Local 91 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union. Rick served with great pride in the United States Marines from 1989-1992 in C-Company 3rd AA Battalion. He was a veteran of Desert Storm stationed in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and served on the front lines during the war.

Rick’s childhood church was Ensley Baptist Church in Birmingham. He later attended Smokerise Baptist Church. Rick was a huge race fan and loved all forms of motor sports. His favorite was motocross, dating back to the early 1970s. One of his favorite activities was going to the race track for live racing. Rick was an avid Auburn fan who enjoyed restoring and riding motorcycles. He loved his family and friends, and was always there to help when needed.

Rick is preceded in death by his father, William Howard Martin.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Martin; his children, Athena, Samantha, and Michael Jones; his mother, Anne Martin, one sister and three brothers.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 23, 2012 from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Gardendale Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Garden City Cemetery, Pastor Toby Shedd officiating.

Gardendale Funeral Home, Inc.