Leslie "Gene" Martin

Mr. Leslie Eugene "Gene" Martin, 74, of York, SC, departed this life on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be 12:00 noon, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Wesley United Methodist Church in York, SC with Rev. Dr. Thomas Bowman officiating and Rev. Frederick Yebuah eulogizing. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens in York. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, December 18th at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church Parking Lot Fund: https://www.wesleyumcyork.org 

Gene, as he was affectionately known, was born April 10, 1951 in York, SC to the late Mary Elizabeth Martin and John Lewis Wright, and raised by his beloved late grandparents, Mary Sue Martin and Charles W. Martin.

Gene was a proud Jefferson High School Graduate Class of 1969. He loved his Blue Devils and actively participated in school, especially the basketball and football teams. He later graduated from South Carolina State University with a Political Science degree in 1973.

Always a diligent worker, Gene retired from Duke Energy after 37 years of service. 

Gene spent many years as an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church. He served in multiple roles over the years, and no job was ever too much to take on for his church family. His faithful service will be dearly remembered at Wesley. Gene also served on several Community Committees in York such as the Early Learning Partnership, Jefferson Remembered, and the Grace and Mercy Soup Kitchen.

Preceding Gene in death are his uncles who helped to rear him: Dr. James Weldon Martin, Billy Martin, and Howard "Scooter" Martin; fathers-in-law, William "Stew" Brown and Robert "Egghead" Hill; and a brother-in-law, Michael Mills.

Gene leaves to cherish loving memories his wife, Debra P. Martin of the home; his son, Marques Brion Martin (Nicole) of Rock Hill, SC; his daughter, Lesslie Jeanne’  Mack (Gabriel) of Kennesaw, GA; his six beloved grandchildren: Cydney, Brelee, Braylon, Kayla, Bryston, and Madyson; Special Niece who was like a daughter, Cameron Moore; his mother-in-law, Marie “Moot” Hill; three sisters-in-law, Shirley Moore, Elaine Brown, and Rene Lowery (Grover); four brothers-in-law, David Brown, Maurice Hill, Mario Hill (Franitra), and Victor Garvin; his lifelong friendship with the 5 Horsemen; a special family friend, Angela Williams; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends.

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