Edwin P. Martin was born March 19, 1938, in Anderson, South Carolina, to parents Eda B. Snoddy and James R. Martin Sr. He attended Anderson Boys High School and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1960. After serving his country as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Navy, he returned to Columbia and attended the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1969.
Martin practiced with Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A., serving as the firm’s first managing shareholder. He was admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in South Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
He was a member of numerous professional organizations, including the South Carolina Bar, House of Delegates of the South Carolina Bar and the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association. He served as president of the Richland County Bar Association and commissioner of the State Board of Grievances and Discipline. He was a faculty member of the South Carolina Defense Trial Academy, an instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and a member of the South Carolina Trial Attorneys Association.
Martin served as the president of the National Kidney Foundation of South Carolina, a member of the board of trustees of Hammond Academy, an adult literary instructor, coach, and commissioner of the Pop Warner Football League. He was also a member of the Columbia Rotary Club and former commissioner of the Richland County Airport Commission.
Martin was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church and served as president of the Joy Class Sunday School. He was a member and vice-chair of the Administrative Board and a member of the board of trustees and Celebration Choir.
Edwin P. Martin died on April 30, 2006. Predeceased by his son, Brian C. Martin, he is survived by his wife, Janice Kay Martin; three children, Edwin P. Martin Jr., Richard A. Martin and James M. Martin; and five grandchildren, Katie, Andrea, Edwin III, Richard and Thomas.