Richard Austin Martin

Richard “Dick” Austin Martin, 78, of Oak Ridge, passed away on September 30, 2020 after a prolonged and hard fought battle with cancer. Richard was born on June 8th 1942 to Jim and Dorothy Martin in New Castle, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Oak Ridge High School in 1960, he went on to study mechanical engineering at Christian Brothers College. He worked proudly in Oak Ridge at Union Carbide and K-25. His friendly personality and keen intellect led him to pursue a career as a salesman and sales manager at several businesses over the years. In 1960, he met Ruth Ellen Cockrell, and they wed in 1964, going on to have 5 children. His love and support of Ruth Ellen burned strong in the over 56 years of their marriage. Their bond is an inspiration for all that knew them. Richard was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family and faith meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of his children and provided them all with an endless supply of love, laughter, guidance, and UT Volunteer tradition. Richard was passionate about many things. His Catholic faith was chief among them. He was many things in life: an ardent Republican, he was a hiker of the Great Smoky Mountains; a motorcycle rider; a pilot; an avid reader; and a rower on the flat waters of Melton Hill Lake. He was a life-long Vol fan and the Orange and White surrounded him throughout his life. He loved golf, NASCAR, cooking “interesting” meals, and traveling both foreign and domestic. Richard tirelessly helped those in his life. He was a lifetime board member of the Oak Ridge Serenity Club; served on the parish council of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oak Ridge; sponsor of the Catholic church in Haiti; and a source of wisdom to those who needed it. Anyone who knew Richard knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. Richard was predeceased by his parents Jim and Dorothy Martin. He is survived by his wife Ruth Ellen Martin; his children Eddie (Karen), Scott (Natalie), Donnie (Cindy), Sam, Joey (Emma), and his Grandchildren Mackenzie, Kelly, Hannah, Jamie, Blaise, Grace, Atticus, Jackson, and Kinsley. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church (327 Vermont Ave. Oak Ridge, TN 37830) or the Serenity Club of Oak Ridge (170 N. Jefferson Cir. Oak Ridge, TN 37830). The family will receive friends on Monday, October 5th at St. Mary’s in Oak Ridge from 12:30 - 2:10 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 2:10 pm with the funeral mass to follow at 2:30. A graveside service will be held immediately following the mass at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Oak Ridge. Weatherford Mortuary is handling the arrangements. An online guestbook can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.