Joel “Champ” Martin Obituary

Dayton - Joel "Champ" Martin entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. He was born to his parents on February 21, 1964 in Dayton, Tennessee. "Champ was loved by all he came in contact with and was a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He also enjoyed dancing, singing, cooking and telling jokes. He was also called 'McGyver" because he could fix anything that was broken. He graduated from Austin-East High School where he played football. He loved bowling. He was very close to his niece, April Martin and always let her knew it. She was his favorite. He will be missed by all his loved ones and others who knew him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Elizabeth Martin; father, Henry Thomas Wright; spouse, Sharon Byrd Martin. He leaves to cherish his memory: children, Shakaiela "Kala" Byrd, Belvin "BJ" Byrd and Aaron "AJ" Martin; devoted niece, April Martin; devoted sister, Reeda Borup, other sisters, Elisha, Ruthie and Georgia Martin, Shaun Headlee, Dawn Wampler and Patricia Ewing; brothers Johnny Jr., Vincent, and Carl Martin, Brian Hickey; a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to name. Family will receive friends on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM until 12:00 noon with funeral services to follow in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel at Unity Mortuary. Internment to conclude at New Gray Cemetery. Service to conclude with a full dove release. Services entrusted to UNITY MORTUARY.