David Lee Martin

He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 8, 1939, and moved his young family to Tampa, Florida, in 1967. He served in the Merchant Marines (1967-69) and worked as a diesel engine technician for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed motorcycling and took many cross-country trips with his friend of over 60 years, Mac McGinley (d. 2024). He was a competitive billiard player and participated in numerous tournaments. He also enjoyed cooking, watching old westerns and following youth baseball, especially the Little League World Series.

David is survived by his daughters, Tracey Porath and Terrie Spirio; and his bonus children, Brian, Danny and Darren Bies, and Shelly Bowers (Ralph); Grandchildren Geneva Stover (David), Craig Porath (Megan), Bruce Robinson, Jr., James Spirio (Alicia), and Lateya James; Great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Gracylee, Nathan, Zachary, James, Raymond, Haileigh, and Caleb; brother Mac Cox (Debra); and nephew Jimmy Caruthers.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Judy (d. 2025); bonus sons Jason Bies (d. 1995) and Johnny Martin (d. 2012); his parents Eddie Lee Martin (d. 2007) and Hettie Coppinger Martin Cox (d. 1990).

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 108 Hudson Street, Inglis, FL, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a favorite charity in honor of David.