Ralph Hamilton Martin Jr

November 21, 1944 - May 12, 2018

Ralph Hamilton Martin Jr., 73, of Apex, died at his home on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Hamilton was born on November 21, 1944 in Durham, NC to Ralph Hamilton Martin Sr. and Mary Lillian Underwood Martin of Apex. Hamilton was a friend to many and never met a stranger. A 1963 graduate of Apex High School, he (along with future wife Sylvia) was voted "Best All-Around" by his classmates. He went on to attend UNC-Chapel Hill before serving as a Lieutenant in the US Navy in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star for valor. After a return to "Blue Heaven," Hamilton worked as a CPA until his retirement from the NC DOT in 2015. He was a loyal Lion of the Apex Lions Club for many years, and happily served at their State Fair booth each fall. A longtime member of Apex Methodist Church, Hamilton enjoyed a relationship with God that was strengthened during his battle with cancer. His zealous devotion to the Tarheels and the LA Dodgers was (painfully) obvious to all who knew him. A devoted father, "Papa Ham" was loved by his children and grandchildren. Hamilton is survived by his wife, Sylvia Edwards Martin; daughter, Anna Hamilton Martin of Raleigh; brothers, R. Craig Martin (Sharon) of Apex, and Deryl Martin (Melanie) of Myrtle Beach, SC; stepson, Thomas Sears Jr. of Greenville, SC; stepdaughter, Denise Voss (Kent) and grandchildren, Banks and Emery of Scottsdale, AZ; as well as many others dear to his heart. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at Apex United Methodist Church, 100 S. Hughes St., Apex, NC. A funeral service will begin at 2:30 in the church sanctuary. Burial will be at 4:30 pm Thursday in Apex Cemetery with Military Honors. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Amanda Sherrod and staff at UNC Rex Cancer Care and to Ms. Janella Wilson and staff at A Gentle Touch Healthcare Services for the exceptional care they provided. Memorials may be made to the Apex Lions Club or the Durham VA Hospital.