A.W. “Rootbeer” Martin, age 86, of Delight passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. He was born Oct. 30, 1939, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Arthur William Martin, Sr., and Katie Elizabeth (Porter) Martin.
A.W. was a member of Murfreesboro First Baptist Church. He was also served on the Delight Fire Department for 20 years as an Assistant Fire Chief and Training Officer. A.W. was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Jolyene (Hembey) Martin of Delight; aunts, Carol Martin of Texarkana and Bobbie Martin of Hope; brother-in-law, Ray Hembey Tuskahoma, Okla.; and several nephews, great-nephews, cousins, friends, and church family who will miss him dearly.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at Delight Cemetery with Brent Alexander and Bro. Damian Rodgers officiating.
Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home-Arkadelphia/Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel. Online at smithfamilycares.com.
