Robert Martin, who is known by all as R.C., was born in Livingston, Texas where he lived a country boy's life. He moved to Port Arthur at the age of 11 but always remained a "Country Boy". After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949 he began his career at Texaco Refinery, where he retired as a well respected supervisor. After getting a job he immediately brought the love of his life Lois Gafford from Livingston to be married and start a family. The country in R. C. included playing music, he was a natural, well known to the country music crowd as one of the best steal-guitar player to be found. He and his band and closest friend Jim Deloney played throughout Southeast Texas for 40 plus years, hosting numerous stars such as George Jones, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley and many more. R. C. and Lois raised two children, Donna and Ricky, then came five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. R. C. and Lois were as close to their son-in-law Charlie Soileau and daughter-in-law Debbie Hebert Martin and loved them as their own He loved his family and shared his country ways with all the kids. He loved to hunt in the piney woods with family and spend time at the old home place with Donna Gail and Ricky's families. He enjoyed following the grandkids sports and was very proud of their life accomplishments. R. C. never had a problem bragging about his kids. He could not be outdone! Survivors include his wife, Lois Gafford Martin of Groves; daughter, Donna Gail Soileau and her husband Charlie of Groves; son Ricky Martin and his wife Debbie of Groves; grandchildren, Benny Soileau and wife Angie, Scott Soileau and wife Laura, Kelli Borel and husband Matt, Mandi Garsea and husband Brandon, and Candice Martin Drawhorn; great-grandchildren, Grey Soileau, Ella Soileau, Connor Soileau, Logan Soileau, Molly Soileau, Ethan Borel, Annalie Borel, Juliana Borel, Caleb Drawhorn, Carson Drawhorn, Preslie Garsea, and Joshua Garsea. R. C. and Lois attended Wesley United Methodist Church of Nederland. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, 2016 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Reverend Douglas Caldwell. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences
Levingston Funeral Home
November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Robert "R.C." Martin
August 4, 2020
Robert "R.C." Martin
Anonymous
July 25, 2016
To my friend, my rocking chair buddy, to the Man who could make me laugh at a moment's notice. Fly to Heaven with your wings spread wide, because God knows what a good and wonderful Angel he has coming to Him. You will forever be in my heart, my friend. As I've told you many times - I Love You, Sweetie!
Anonymous
July 24, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Anonymous
July 24, 2016
So sad for your great loss, please accept our deepest sympathy. We love you all, Cindy and Doris Jean
Anonymous
July 24, 2016
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Prayers for you during this difficult time. Much love, Doris Robinson Smith, James Larry Robinson, Janelle Robinson Wright and families
Anonymous
July 23, 2016
Accept our condolences on your loss.
Anonymous
July 22, 2016
Lois and family, we are so saddened to learn of R.C.'s death, but are so happy to think of the reunion that is taking place in Heaven now. What a joyous time they all must be having. He will definitely be missed by all of us but I am sure they will be happy to have a good guitar player join them. Lois, our heartfelt condolences and much love.
Anonymous
July 22, 2016
Lois, you and R.C. have always been a big part of our Port Arthur family. Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. We will miss him and his keen sense of humor. We will, sadly, not be able to make it to Port Arthur for his funeral... Jack broke an ankle recently and is not getting around very well. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Love you very much, Margaret and Jack
Anonymous
July 22, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to Charles,Benny, Scott and the entire family. RC was such a pleasure to be around ! I worked at his house on many occasions and never left without new stories about Texas Country Music history, especially about the people he met and played with over the years. He was a great musician and an even better man. Go rest high on that mountain RC- You have earned it !