286 Senior Avery Martin died on October 6, 2024 in a car accident in Colorado. He was 21. Senior Bradley Cole, senior Lloyd Stenglein, and junior Ben Shappard were injured in the wreck. Cole and Stenglein have minor injuries and were released from the hospital shortly after the accident. “When tragedies of this magnitude come, there’s really only one path that leads to God,” President Mike Williams said in chapel Monday morning. “We fall on his throne this morning and remember his unending faithfulness.” Martin was a Bible and family ministry major from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He planned to be a youth minister. Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry Monte Cox taught Martin in three Bible classes. He spoke of Martin’s life at Harding and the deep grief his death brings during Monday’s chapel. Cox said this tragedy is a “sobering reminder of our mortality, but also a reminder of the immortality that we’ve been promised.” Martin was also a member of TNT men’s social club. TNT president Will Ashmore spoke highly of Martin. “Avery was one of the biggest driving forces for spiritual growth in our club,” Ashmore said. “He was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and we all looked up to him as the example for how to carry ourselves.” TNT sponsor Garrett Escue spoke highly of Martin and his faith. “Avery was an impressive young man,” Escue said. “Within just a few minutes of speaking to [him], you would immediately sense that he was a very intentional and Christ-focused individual. He was never the loudest in the room nor did he seek any sort of spotlight for himself, but he was a leader.” Student Government Association (SGA) President and senior Adele Duncan said Martin would always make her and others feel welcome. She said his character was one of “putting others first and being a calming presence.” Martin’s roommate from the 2023-24 academic year Baylor Ward, a junior, honored Martin’s life. “Avery was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” Ward said. “He never ceased to make others feel wanted and welcomed. He was the kind of guy that wanted to set an example even if no one was watching. He had a passion for ministry and leading others in truth and love.” As a close friend and roommate, Ward knew Martin’s character well. He shared about Martin and prayed for Martin’s loved ones during Monday’s chapel. In a statement about Martin that Ward gave on Tuesday, he emphasized Martin’s humility. In Memory of Avery Martin “Through it all, he never wanted credit, he just wanted others to know and love Christ as he had,” Ward said. During his time in college, Martin worked at Camp Barnabas and interned for multiple youth groups. He also led discipleship groups on campus. Martin attended Harding University in Australia (HUA) in the fall of 2023. During his time abroad, he led multiple chapels and devotionals. Junior Emma Sansom attended HUA with Martin. She and her friends traveled with Martin while abroad, and she reminisced on group memories from HUA as well as Martin’s character there. “Avery was a friend who was a constant servant and loved others deeply,” Sansom said. “He truly exemplified what it means to be a disciple of Christ.” Students at Downtown Singing gathered in prayer the night of the accident to remember Martin and his family and friends. The Monday after the accident, chapel service was spent remembering his life and praying for his loved ones. TNT also hosted a night of worship and remembrance on Monday. SGA held a candlelight service in the week following in Martin’s honor. A memorial service was held at Memorial Drive Church of Christ. The service was be live-streamed on campus. Escue also expressed the magnitude of the loss from the perspective of a social club sponsor. “We will miss him, and we are excited for the day when we get to see him again,” Escue said. Duncan was a friend of Martin, and she shared memories of his humor and kindness. Alongside these memories, she voiced her grief and her hope. “I am deeply saddened by his loss, but so grateful I got to spend time with him, and I am comforted to know he is in heaven right now,” Duncan said. Sansom spoke of Martin’s legacy and the role of faith in his life. She said that her grief is difficult, but she finds comfort in Martin’s future in eternity. “I know Avery is with our father he loved and served so well, who welcomed him with open arms saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’” Sansom said. Martin is survived by his parents, his two younger brothers and his fiancée, junior McKensey Davis. Ward also expressed sympathy to Martin’s family. “His death has deeply saddened me, and my heart breaks for his parents, his younger brothers, and his fiancée McKensey,” Ward said. Written by Helen Strickland
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==