Longtime sports reporter Stump Martin has died

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – High school athletes lost a great friend this morning.

Stump Martin died at the age of 64.

His professional career weaved through newspapers, cable TV, and East Ridge city government.

But the common thread throughout was his support and love of high school sports.

Martin first made his name locally as a sports reporter for the Chattanooga Times Free Press for 20 years.

When he left the paper, he created his own brand.

Stump on Sports grew into a radio talk show, cable TV show and social media group.

He joined Rick Nyman for a season to preview high school football games on News 12 Now.

Martin was the organizer behind the Tennessee- Georgia football game, an all-star game that was played in the summer.

The game pits the best high school players from Southeast Tennessee against their counterparts in northwest Georgia.

He also squeezed in running the Tennessee Football Magazine.

Martin’s “day job” was working in local government.

He served as parks and recreation director for the city of Rossville, where he worked to revive sports facilities and memories of Rossville football.

Martin then moved on to the city of East Ridge.

Stump helped transform Camp Jordan into the cultural center is has become.

And he also carved out his own coaching legacy for many teams on the side.

The tributes to his contribution to North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee will be many.

RIP Stump Martin. We had some great times back in the News-Free Press days. Never knew what he would say or do but it was always entertaining. One of the few people I’ve known who got so much out of life and gave so much back to it by helping kids. You will be missed!

— Lindsey Young (@youngsports22) May 10, 2018

It is with a sad heart that the City has lost one of its own. Marvin “Stump” Martin, Director of Parks and Recreation, has passed away. Please keep The Martin family in your thoughts and prayers during this most… https://t.co/N9Lol1DoDq

— City of East Ridge (@CityofEastRidge) May 10, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of “Stump” Martin, in the news of his passing this morning. pic.twitter.com/tpHu9Efx71

— Ringgold Tiger Pride (@RHSTigersPride) May 10, 2018

Sad to hear of the passing of Stump Martin. Marvin was a bigger than life personality in local Chatt Sports. Coaching with Marvin early on in my career was part of my education and helped me to where I am today. Prayers for Debbie, Misty, and all the whole @StumpOnSports Family

— Lee Dobbins (@CoachDobbinsSCD) May 10, 2018