Kenneth Harrison Martin

Native Son~Born on December 31, 1953; in Chapel Hill to J.B. & Doris Martin. Another Chapel legend put to rest, October 25, 2009. Drive as fast as you can Kenny, drive fast.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Mr. Kenneth Harrison "Kenny" Martin, 55, of Chapel Hill, died at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, October 25, 2009 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill after six months of failing health and a critical illness of one week.He was a respected drag race car driver for more than 30 years and a member of the I.H.R.A. and the N.H.R.A. He was the owner of Martin Automotive.Survivors include his wife, Susan Hilliard Martin of the home; a daughter, Jennifer Faith Chambers of Wilson, N.C.; two sons, Joshua Brandon "Josh" Martin of Chapel Hill and William "Tucker" Martin of the home; a brother, Jamie Douglas "Billy" Martin and wife Diane of Pine Bluff, N.C.; a sister Patsy Martin Howard and husband Alan of Crozet, Va.; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. Martin and Doris Marlow Martin; and a brother, Ronald Jason "Ronnie" Martin.The funeral will be conducted at 4 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2009 at Antioch Baptist Church in Chapel Hill by the Rev. David Atwater. Burial will be in Sparrow Cemetery in Chapel Hill. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 29 at Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27516, and at other times at the residence.The body will remain at the McClure Funeral Home, 1030 S. Main St., Graham, N.C. 27253 until placed in the church for the visitation and service. Memorials may be made to the Antioch Baptist Church Building Fund at 1710 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27516.

"My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort." - Gayle Rancer