Thomas Martin

Soon after Thomas Glenn Martin passed away on June 17, 2025 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the condolences and tributes flooded in from friends near and far. Born February 28, 1937, in Clarksville, Tennessee, he and his elder brother Jack were raised by his mother, Glenavis Rice, an English professor and University of Alabama librarian, and her parents in Northport, Alabama. He spent his summers in Plantersville, Alabama, at the familial home of his father, Marvin Oscar. Encouraged to excel in school, Tommy or Tom, as he was known, grew up surrounded by books.

Tom had a long and honorable career in government service, starting with two years in the U.S. Army at 18 in Hawaii. A short stint with the Social Security Administration was followed by 33 years as a diplomat with the U.S. State Department.

At the University of Alabama, he met his love, Laura (Lolly) Spencer. In 1960 they married after each had graduated, he with a degree in history. Lolly, his lifelong muse and occasional director, urged Tom to take the Foreign Service test after a professor suggested that a career as a diplomat might suit his intellect and curiosity about the world beyond Alabama.

In 1963, the adventure began. His career launched at a pivotal moment in history: Vietnam protests, the Kennedy and King assassinations and civil rights activism framed his outlook.

Fresh out of Portuguese language school (Dutch and Turkish were later added to his repertoire), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was an exciting start for Tom and Lolly, who now had a young son. The family moved more than a dozen times, making homes in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; Maputo (at the time, Lourenço Marques), Mozambique; The Hague, Netherlands; Ankara, Turkey; back to Brazil in São Paulo; Georgetown, Guyana; Antwerp, Belgium; Vienna, Austria, as well as several tours in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they welcomed two daughters.

Regarded by peers as an exceptional diplomat, Tom was observant, ethical and unflappable under pressure. Tom was a mentor to many and beloved by colleagues. He never boasted but rather held up the achievements of those around him. He said the writing and editing skills he gained as a young journalist in the Army served him well in the Foreign Service, where he reported on political and labor issues, and interviewed parliamentarians and union leaders. His last assignments included positions as Deputy Chief of Mission in Guyana, Consul General in Antwerp, and Deputy Chief of Mission to the United Nations Organizations in Vienna.

At every overseas post, Tom and Lolly made deep, lasting friendships. During assignments in Washington, Tom and family found more of the same: lifelong friends, including many from their Adams Morgan neighborhood. Wherever they lived, Tom and Lolly created welcoming homes, where good food and conversation helped forge those enduring friendships.

A friend said Tommy was a man you could build a community around. He was a true listener, able to find perspective and learn from those he engaged. Another friend recalled his open mind and heart, noting that he cared for people who crossed his path and was never judgmental.

As a father and grandfather, he attended every concert, game, recital and graduation he could. He never hesitated to jump on a sled, run into the surf, play golf or throw a disc.

Tommy retired from the State Department in 1996, but adventures around the world continued. They often exchanged or rented houses for months at a time, inviting friends and family to join. Those lucky to visit had built-in guides who knew every museum, archaeological site, rural road or quiet treasure few tourists encountered.

Back home, to the delight of friends and family, Tom brewed beer, baked crusty loaves of bread, and made preserves from the garden. His grandchildren loved the countless games of Scrabble where he ruthlessly challenged perfectly fine words like “garteling” and “cherp” while commanding the triple-word tiles.

Drawn to historic towns, he and Lolly retired to Shepherdstown, where their home and patio became a gathering place. On Sunday mornings, friends would stop by – no need to knock – sure to find a full pot of coffee, pastries and sections of the New York Times and Washington Post laid out on the table to read. Tom served on the board of Friends of the Shepherdstown Library and used his diplomatic skills during two terms on the town council.

Shepherdstown friends were dismayed when Tommy and Lolly, well into their 70s, decided to relocate once more. Forever traveling the scenic route, they discovered charming Cheraw, South Carolina, and Enfield, a circa 1815 “upcountry farmhouse.” The home’s expansive garden – full of azaleas, gardenias, crepe myrtles, and room to grow – sealed the deal. For the next 10 years, Tom and Lolly rose early to wander their garden – weeding and picking berries, figs, pears, beans, tomatoes and more.

In no time, their new (old) front porch was a stopping place for iced tea, talk and laughter. The smile and twinkle in Tommy’s eyes as he self-deprecatingly recounted many adventures will long be remembered by those who had the fortune to know him.

With his voice, cadence of speech and perhaps even those gentle blue eyes, Tommy was often likened to Jimmy Stewart. It seemed fitting that the kind, intelligent 88-year-old, indeed, lived a wonderful life.

Tommy is survived by Lolly and their three children, Thomas Glenn Jr. (Maria, spouse), Anne Holt (Tyler, spouse), Susan Akpinar (Bahadır, spouse), grandchildren William, Cameron, Lillian, Daniel, Theodore and Alexander and many nieces and nephews.

In honor of Tommy, please consider donating to your local public broadcasting station.