Recognizing the Life of Bobby Martin

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Bobby Martin, who passed away on November 4, 2020. Bobby was born on February 13, 1933 to Elijah and Valca Martin. As a 1956 agronomy graduate of Mississippi State University, Bobby was a lifelong Bulldog fan. He served as the Chairman of the MSU Foundation, the President of the Bulldog Club, and the Alumni Association's 1999 National Alumnus of the Year. In 2002, he was awarded the honorary doctorate of business degree. Bobby served northeast Mississippi as Chairman of the Blue Mountain College Board of Trustees and as a member of the Board of Trustees for Northeast Mississippi Community College.

Outside of serving his community, Bobby also served in the United States Army during the Korean War, then later began his career at The Peoples Bank. He held the positions of president and CEO for 42 years, roles now occupied by his daughter. Bobby's passion for his community was evidenced by his lifetime of service to his customers and his mentorship of countless students and employees. He served as Chairman of the Mississippi Bankers Association and the Mississippi Board of Banking Review. His generosity was embodied in his position as chairman emeritus of the CREATE Foundation. He spearheaded the effort to establish a CREATE affiliate in Tippah County in 1997, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities through investments.

Bobby was known as a pillar of faith in his community. He served as a deacon and member of the choir of First Baptist Church. He treated his associates like family. The People's Bank, as well as the countless organizations and local industries he impacted, mourn his loss and will always remember his profound impact on the community.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Cook; his daughter, Mary Childs; and many beloved grandchildren. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Georgia Crook, Virginia Coombs, and Peggy Marvin.

Bobby Martin lived as an example of generosity, faith, and service to his community and country. His impact on North Mississippi will endure, and he will be greatly missed.

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