Martin Cunnard Peebles was born June 22, 1918 in Canoe in a log cabin.
He was the fourth child of James and Bertha McGilbre. He married Evelyn Mae Goddard Dec. 14, 1941.
He served active duty in US. Army, enlisted pre World War II, served in North Africa against Rommel, and maneuvered an amphibious landing craft onto Omaha Beach. He also, helped push the Nazis out of Europe to their surrender, served during the Korean Conflict, the Berlin Crisis and the Cuban Crisis.
Back home he served in the Alabama National guard, reaching the rank of First Sergeant. Many men in Baldwin County and Northwest Florida served under him and remember his guidance.
He retired from active duty with over 30 years of service and then went on to work in the civil service as an aircraft electrician for over 35 years. He and his wife oversaw a large, working farm while ingraining in each of their 10 children an appreciation for that lifestyle that still serves them to this day and is being passed down to future generations.
Watermelons from this farm were renowned as the sweetest in South Baldwin County and many Baldwin County fields were cleared by him and his boys.
He and his wife sure all of their children attended the First Presbyterian Church of Foley during their early years. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, he made sure his children all started out on that one clear and certain path in life that has led to many blessings.
He was preceded in death by his father, James McGilbre Peebles, and mother, Bertha Gates Peebles; five brothers, Wilson, Luther, Silas, Henry and Wilburn; sister, Agnes; step-mother, Ola Mae Godwin Peebles; and one grandson, Mitchell Peebles
Survivors include brothers, Vernon, Paul, Leroy, Lester, Raymond; sisters, Luverne, Katherine, Ruth and Irene; his loving wife, Evelyn; sons, James, Kenneth, John, Anthony, Robert, Todd, and Michael; daughters, Dawn, Joan and Susan; grandchildren, Michelle, Joseph, Angela, Jason, Eric, Phillip, Randy, Danny, Kimberlee, Matthew, Jordan, Nicole, Danielle, Samuel, Anthony, Valerie, Becky, Camille, Kristopher, Lyn and Patric; 15 great-grandchildren, Jessica, Riley, Ryan, James, Jesse, Wyatt, Chelsea, Wesley, Peyton, Abagail, Emily, Holly, Amber, Lyndsey and Samuel; and three great-great-grandchildren, Corben, Ella and Layne.
Visitation begins at noon with funeral services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Pine Rest Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Pine Rest Memorial Park.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Fairfield Presbyterian Church of Pensacola Fla., the USO, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Pine Rest Funeral Home Inc., Foley.
