Charles Allen “Charlie” Martin, Jr., 95, of Wake Forest, passed away Monday afternoon, August 3, 2020. He was born in York Pennsylvania to the late Charles Allen Martin, Sr. and Ruth Bechtel Martin on March 4, 1925.
Mr. Martin was a Veteran of the United States Army where he served honorably from July 1943 to January 1946. After the war, he received a BS in Education from Millersville University, PA, and taught drama at York High School, York, Pa, until leaving to attend UNCG where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts. His love for theater from age 5 led him to a long and rewarding career at Appalachian State College in the Drama Department, and later as Director for NC State Thompson Theater. After 27 years he retired from Thompson Theatre. He was also an actor having participated at NCSU Thompson Theater, as well as Raleigh Little Theater, acting in local TV commercials, and movies. After retirement from NCSU, he served a short tenure as Acting Director of Carolina Theater in Lumberton. He was employed by Ravenscroft in the Fine Arts Department for six years, again an important engagement with the young people. All the while during Thompson Theater days until 2012, he directed theater tour groups to London each summer. After Ravenscroft, he spent his time substituting at area public and private schools where he left a lasting impression on the students and faculty he met. He was involved as a judge in the local North Carolina Senior Games for many years. He and his wife have been active members of Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church for almost 40 years and not only will his family miss him but everyone he met.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the University Theatre Enhancement Fund and Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church Foundation.
Mr. Martin is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marie Partin Baird Martin; step-children, Maria Baird Plentl & husband Will Plentl III of Raleigh and Derek Baird & wife Stephanie Farrant-Baird of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Morgan and Cooper Plentl both of Raleigh; stepdaughter, Kristina Martin Fowler of Wendell; a host of extended family and friends.
A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400
