Dr. Amon Achilles Martin Jr.

On December 26, 2024, Dr. Amon Achilles Martin, Jr was called by the Lord to enter his heavenly kingdom. He passed away in Oconee Hospital due to deteriorating health conditions. While he is “absent from the body” he is now “present with the Lord.”

Dr. Amon A. Martin, Jr was the firstborn of Amon A. Martin, Sr and Sara N. Martin in Anderson, South Carolina on May 21st, 1940. They raised their three children Amon A. Martin Jr, Sara C. Martin, and James N. Martin to be servants to God first and then their family & community.

With both parents and grandparents being educators, Amon was taught from an early age the value of education. Amon reflected these beliefs throughout his life through a constant pursuit of learning and growth. He graduated from Riverside High School in Pendleton, South Carolina in 1957 and went on to attend Fisk University in Nashville, TN. Amon recognized the importance of seizing opportunities that God blesses us with. This led him to participate in the Fisk University student exchange program, traveling to Whittier College, CA in 1959 during segregated times. He returned to Fisk University and graduated in 1961. After graduating from Fisk University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, he was accepted into Howard University College of Dentistry in 1965. He worked in an externship at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Treatment Hospital in New York City prior to starting Dental School. In 1966, he graduated from Howard University and was commissioned as a United States Air Force Captain. He moved to Sacramento Air Force Base, California to serve as a general dental officer for two years.

In 1967, Amon married the love of his life Brenda L. Watts. After his Active Duty U.S. Air Force service, they moved to Seneca, South Carolina. Their marriage would grow into a wonderful love that was filled with care, laughter, joy, challenges, and happiness.

The young couple began planting their roots in Seneca, South Carolina. Amon separated from Active duty when he returned to South Carolina but maintained his commission in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.  He served as an Admission Liaison and as a U.S. Air Force Academy Minority Task Force Member from 1981 to 1985.  In 1991, he would be recognized as one of the most outstanding primary duty liaison officers in the Nation. He retired in 1992 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He also received an award for his outstanding service and distinguished service to USAFA/AFROTC. Amon partnered with Dr. Henry Hare’s dental office which would later be known as “Hare & Martin Dentistry” in 1968. Their office became part of the “All Black Medical/Dental Row” with Dr. Chares Battle’s (Medical) and Dr. Harold E. Hill’s (Pharmacy) offices. Both Dr. Battle and Dr. Hill became great mentors and friends to Amon. He would go on to serve his patients in the community for 56 years. While he enjoyed his role as a dentist, he also valued the friendships that he was able to build with patients. Amon was not only a great Dentist, but also a genuine heart that cared for his patients’ well-being.  In addition, he would advise and consult for the medical community at large throughout his career through various roles and groups such as: The American Dental Association, National Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, Piedmont District Dental Society (member, president, and board of directors), Palmetto Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association (member and president), Academy of General Dentistry, South Carolina Chapter Fellow International College of Dentists, S.C. State Board of Dentistry (member and president), Southern Regional Testing Agency, American Association Of Dental Examiners, , and Southern Conference of Dental Deans and Examiners. He was awarded the Fellowship in the College award by the American College of Density in 2003.

The Martins started their family with the birth of their daughter Jocelyn L. Martin in 1968, followed by Amon A. Martin, III, born in 1970 and Theodore H. Martin, born in 1973. As a father, Amon was a consistent guiding hand in his children's life emphasizing the importance of God, Family, and Education. Amon not only preached his values to his children but led by example, through leadership and participation in Family Gatherings, Civic Membership, Business, Education, Activism, Teaching, Church, and Fellowship.

To put it simply, Amon enjoyed serving in any and every way he could. Amon was an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Seneca SC and served as a Trustee. Amon believed in trying to follow God’s word “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you” and “You will get into the kingdom of Heaven” (1 Peter 4:4-11) which led to his service participation in community events. He was awarded the Seneca River Baptist Brotherhood 2024 Service Award, and was the Grand Marshall in the 2023 Christmas parade. In addition, Amon was a life member of the NAACP. Amon recognized the discrimination and prejudice suffered in the African American community and always worked in his personal and professional life to uplift his community. He also invested his time into advancing the education of young people with his membership on the Clemson University Board of Visitors, Clemson University Foundation Board, Clemson University Real Estate, School of Nursing Advisory Board and SC State Museum Commission. He was named an Honorary Clemson Alumni in 2024. Amon’s entrepreneurial spirit for business and finance was fueled at an early age by his Aunt Naomi (Babe) Noah, which led to his participation in associations like the Seneca Advisory Board of South Carolina National Bank, the Advisory Board of South Carolina National Bank, and the Seneca Advisory Board of Wachovia Bank. He was awarded the Bi-Country Investment Group “The tie that Binds” award in 1997 for community services, religious, political, and medical pursuits, and also for being “A devoted Family man, A Christian gentleman, and A friend to Mankind.”

Amon’s character can be seen through his service and leadership. However, it is also seen in his friendships. Amon was the life and soul of the party. He found pure joy in conversation and fellowship. He made it a priority to make time to be with his close and extended family. He was heavily involved in family reunions on both the Martin and Smith/Bigby sides of his family.  He also valued his friendships and brotherhood, which contributed to his presence as a loyal member and Leader of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., The Boulé Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Club Elegant. He was named Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. man of the year and James P. Brawley Legacy Awardee & W.E.B Dubois legacy Awardee by the Boulé. He valued the importance of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift amongst African American men. He sought to share and continue to teach these values with past and future generations. In addition, he enjoyed a round of golf or a nice game of poker with his friends from time to time.

Amon A. Martin, Jr leaves his legacy with his loving wife, Brenda L. Martin; daughter, Jocelyn L. Martin Disher (George); sons, Amon A. Martin, III and Theodore H. Martin (Renee); grandchildren, Jarod Martin Disher and Leah M. Disher; His brother, James N. Martin; two nieces, Hazel C. Hill and LaKecia A. Dorsey; one nephew, Henry A. Dorsey, Jr; eight grand nephews and nieces, one great grandnephew, one great grandniece, a host of cousins, and a sister-in-law, Theda Bevans.   He was preceded in death by his sister, Sara C. Martin.

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