E. T. Martin (Elvis Thomas), 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather
and friend to many of Smyrna and LaVergne, TN passed away Saturday July 5, 2025.
He was born on July 2, 1934, to Marshall Nay and Lorette Martin in Nashville.
Established in 1964, E. T. was the proud owner and operator of M & M Variety Mart in
LaVergne and Middle TN. Prior to that he served his country proudly in the US Army in
Korea.
He was a graduate of Isaac Litton High School in Nashville and Martin Methodist
College in Pulaski, TN. He was a charter member of LaVergne First United Methodist
Church for 50 years. Some of his many accomplishments were Man-of-the Year of
Northern Rutherford Co., County Magistrate and Lavergne City Alderman, Charter
Member of LaVergne/Smyrna Rotary Club, President of Rotary Club, and First
Tennessee Bank Board of Directors.
E.T. was most proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He traveled to
49 states and several countries. E.T. was an avid Tennessee Volunteer fan, a member
of the tennis team at Martin College, a master gardener, participated in two senior
bowling leagues, and a friend to all.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dorothy Martin (Bobby) Odle and
grandson J. T. Gibson (James Thomas).
E.T is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years Peggy Gardner Martin; daughters Kathy
(Gibson) Anderson, Pam Hammond, and Sherri (Eddie) Gibson; grandchildren Eleanor
Gibson (Giselle Melconian), Sarah Anderson (Tyler) Hannan, Thomas (Emily)
Hammond; great granddaughter Colette. He also cherished his nephew and nieces.
Visitation will be 11:00 AM until time of chapel service at 1:00 PM, Thursday, July 10,
2025, at LaVergne First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Roselawn
Memorial Gardens.
Memorials can be directed to the LaVergne First United Methodist Church general fund
at 248 Old Waldron Road, LaVergne, TN 37086. www.woodfinchapel.com
