Lanneau "Buddy" James Martin

Lanneau "Buddy" James Martin, 73, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest Monday, May 7, 2018. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Fort Johnson Baptist Church, 1473 Camp Road at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall following the service. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL.

Buddy Martin was born August 22, 1944 in Florence, South Carolina. He is the son of the late Lanneau James Martin and Edith Dew Martin. He graduated from Carlisle Military Academy, where he excelled and lettered in every sport he tried. Buddy was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, but thankfully the conflict ended before he was deployed.

Once he got out of the service, Buddy worked for Seaboard Coast Railroad Line. He then became an entrepreneur when he started and successfully ran two service stations - one in South Windermere and one on Dorchester Road - before purchasing Azalea Motors on Azalea Dr. He later moved Azalea Motors to Dorchester Road and Savannah Hwy in Charleston, SC.

Buddy worked hard and became the premier Corvette expert in the area, with dealerships far and wide seeking his wealth of knowledge and inventory of this classic car. Azalea Motors grew into his most successful business and is now located on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, SC. Buddy knew how to make something big out of something small, whether it was a small business he grew successfully or a family filled with love.

He also loved tennis, boating, the beach, and to travel with his family. He had a green thumb and could grow anything, so many of his homes boasted successful gardens for everyone to enjoy. He led a happy, fun and exciting life. His legacy shall always be remembered by the love he gave, the family he created, and the lives that he changed along the way.

Buddy is survived by his five children: Victoria English of Melbourne, FL, Courtney M. Martin, Sarah Frances Martin, Caroline Lanneau Martin, and Truluck Atkinson-Martin all of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren Natalia English, Nadia English, and Hudson Cooper Martin Crocker, his sister, Frances Fernald of Cocoa Beach, FL, former spouse Janice K. Martin of Charleston, SC, former spouse Myrtle Collins of Mullins, SC, and many cousins, extended family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name specifically earmarked for Pancreatic Cancer Research to The Sidney Kimmel at 750 East Pratt St., Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202.