01/27/2026
Robbie Ray Martin
August 27, 1939 ~ January 23, 2026
Robbie Ray Martin, a Christian, devoted friend, businessman, community leader, father and Poppa, of Muscle Shoals, went home to his Lord and Savior on January 23rd at the age of 86.
Survivors include daughter Sonya Martin Allman (Rodney), son Andy Martin (Teresa), son Jeff Martin (Joan); grandchildren Rachel Martin Chapman (Chris), Katie Martin Hornsby (Todd), Andrea Martin Weeks (Tyler), Ashley Allman Bolt (Cameron), Amber Allman Pearson (Josh), Mallory Martin (Matt), and Cole Martin (Clare); great-grandchildren Jackson and Olivia Chapman, Allie Kate and Cooper Hornsby, Vivian and Ben Weeks, Oliver and Griffin Bolt, Eliza Pearson, and Josie Martin. Baby girl Bolt and baby girl Pearson will arrive soon. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 65 years, Norma Martin and his parents Flora and Chester Martin.
As a young boy, Robbie learned to overcome great obstacles as he learned to walk again after polio. He never forgot the lessons he learned as a polio survivor which spurred him on to a life of overcoming and overachieving.
Robbie became a resident of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in 1961 and devoted much of his life to serving the community he loved. He began his public service early, serving as the Muscle Shoals City Judge from 1964 to 1966. In 1966, at just 26 years old, Robbie made history as the youngest elected official in the State of Alabama when he was elected Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Muscle Shoals. He proudly served five terms in this role from 1966 to 1986, overseeing both the police and fire departments and working to protect and strengthen the community he loved.
Robbie’s commitment to leadership extended beyond public office through his involvement with numerous civic and professional organizations. He served on the North Alabama Gas District Board from 1970 to 1986. He was an active member of the Jaycees from 1964 to 1979 and served as its president from 1970 to 1972. He was also a member of the North Alabama Football Officials Association from 1965 to 1975.
Robbie enjoyed a successful career in sales and management. He was a former salesman for the Nabisco Company and was honored as National Salesman of the Year in 1965. He later served as National Sales Manager for Whitesell Manufacturing Company from 1977 to 1987.
Throughout his life, Robbie received numerous honors recognizing his service and character. In 1975, he was named Outstanding Young Man of the State of Alabama, sponsored by State Farm Insurance and the City of Birmingham, and was awarded the Key to the City of Birmingham. In 1979, the Fraternal Order of Police named him Policeman of the Year for the Shoals area—an honor that had never been bestowed upon a private citizen at the time.
In his later years, Robbie continued his commitment to leadership and community involvement. He served on the board of directors for Humana Hospital from 1989 to 1995 and for Northwest Shoals Community College from 1991 to 1999. Since 1989, he was the co-owner of Martin Aycock Properties alongside his dearest lifelong friend, Gene Aycock. Their adventures together, along with the support of their secretary and friend Rhonda Swinea, created a work environment that he loved.
Robbie also had a love for travel and adventure, embracing life fully and encouraging others to do the same. He valued lifelong friendships and remained deeply loyal to those he cared about, maintaining meaningful relationships throughout his life.
While his professional accomplishments were many, and he was very proud of the life he built, Robbie’s greatest joy was his family. To his children and grandchildren, he was a steady presence who taught the importance of sticking it out through hard times, sacrificing, and forgiving others. He created a warm, loving home filled with laughter, open doors, and—most memorably—snacks, candy and drinks galore. Robbie was generous to a fault, always taking care of those around him. Robbie was invested deeply in every area of the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He supported his family unconditionally and celebrated their dreams as if they were his own. Robbie will be remembered as the best, and most generous, Poppa of all times.
In keeping with his devotion to family, pallbearers will be his sons, grandsons and great grandsons. The service will be held at Woodward Avenue Baptist Church on Monday, February 9th. Arrangements include visitation from 9:00-11:00 with the celebration of life immediately following.
In keeping with his deep love and affection for our city and school system, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscle Shoals Education Foundation,
3200 S. Wilson Dam Road, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661. (256)389-2698.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his longtime physician and friend, Dr. Joshua Vacik; cherished friends Gene and Fay Aycock; Debbie Collum; and a host of other friends, family members and caregivers for their constant care, kindness, support and visits.
