Timothy Lee Martin

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me besides still waters. He restores my soul." Psalm 23:1-3a

On April 12th, surrounded by family, Tim went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Tim was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved and treasured his family. His creativity, vibrancy, and deep courage made him a natural leader. He loved others deeply and wanted to see everyone he knew engage more fully with life.

Tim was born to Lee and Shirley Martin on January 14, 1961 in Lubbock, Texas. He grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas with his brothers Mike and Mitch, and sister Toni. He graduated high school from Old Main (North Little Rock) High in 1979 and attended the University of Central Arkansas and University of Arkansas at Little Rock. On graduating, he began work in Marketing, a field he was passionate about all of his life. Tim led a full and vibrant life. He was married three times over the course of his life, and had one son, Pierce, from his first marriage. From each chapter, Tim carried lessons, growth, and a deeper understanding of faith. He eventually settled in Lake Alfred, Florida with his third wife, Margarita. They were married 17 years and have four children: Lucy, Elijah, Joshua, and Grace.

Tim was a prolific entrepreneur, starting the Forza advertising agency in Little Rock, Arkansas where he was CEO for 15 years. He held CMO roles at Ottlite, IC Intracom, and Accel Performance Group. He also started businesses that ranged from pasta sauce to clothing to life-coaching. He self-published 2 books and was still working on a third. He had a life-long love of fitness and adventure. He completed over 25 marathons and triathlons. He climbed Mt. Rainier, Kilimanjaro, and attempted Denali. He was always deeply interested in faith and grew in his love of Christ over the years, impacting many with his desire for them to know Jesus. Tim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013 and put his courage, optimism, and faith into a 12-year-long battle with the disease that ended with peace in being brought home to his Father. 

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Lee. He is survived by his wife, Margarita, their children, Lucy, Elijah, Joshua, and Grace, his son Pierce from his first marriage, 3 grandchildren, his mother, Shirley, and siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, May 24th at Lena Vista Baptist Church in Auburndale, Fl.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Lena Vista Baptist Church in Auburndale, Fl. 

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful neighbors, church family, Spring Haven Senior Living, Family Extended Care of Winter Haven, and Good Shepherd Hospice.